{
  "id": 12323917,
  "title": "Gauteng health says family of toddler at Steve Biko Hospital owes nothing",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/06/gauteng-health-says-family-of-toddler-at-steve-biko-hospital-owes",
  "topic": "health",
  "section": "Health & Medicine",
  "published": "2026-10-06T06:52:34.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "The Citizen",
    "slug": "the-citizen",
    "url": "https://www.citizen.co.za/news/gauteng-health-says-family-of-toddler-at-steve-biko-hospital-owes-nothing/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "The Gauteng Department of Health has clarified that the family of a two-year-old boy who received treatment at Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria is not responsible for a reported large medical bill. The family was said to owe nearly R700,000 for treating two-year-old Peyton Wahl, who allegedly suffered severe burns after falling into a bathtub filled with hot water. However, the health department has dismissed these claims as inaccurate. Health spokesperson Steve Mabona stated that the boy, who was under the age of six, falls under the Hospital Group (HG) category, which exempts children from payment for hospital services. Therefore, the family will not have to pay the alleged medical bill. The department also addressed claims that a public fundraising campaign was underway to cover the boy's medical expenses, stating that Steve Biko Academic Hospital has not initiated or requested any such campaign. Mabona emphasized that the department is committed to providing quality healthcare in line with the law, its policies, and public health regulations, while respecting patient privacy and dignity. He urged journalists and the public to verify information directly with the department before publishing or sharing reports that could cause unnecessary concern or confusion.",
  "summary": "Children under six do not pay for hospital services.",
  "key_points": [
    "Gauteng health clarifies toddler's family owes no medical bill.",
    "Two-year-old Peyton Wahl treated at Steve Biko Hospital for burns.",
    "Family exempt from payment due to HG category for children."
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Gauteng Department of Health's clarification that the family of a treated toddler owes nothing reflects its commitment to providing healthcare in line with the law and its policies.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}