Is Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital still the world's third largest?
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in Soweto — PICTURE: KATHERINE MUICK-MERE “Did you know? Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital is the largest hospital in the southern hemisphere.”This little fact featured in the wrappers of iconic South African chewing gum brand Chappies for years. But lately, institutions have been claiming it is the “third largest hospital in the world”.The Gauteng provincial department of health says so, Wikipedia states it as fact and the hospital’s own website boasts:“The Chris Hani Baragwanath hospital is the 3rd largest hospital in the world, occupying around 173 acres (0.7km²) with approximately 3 200 beds and about 6 760 staff members. The facilities are housed in 429 buildings with a total surface area of 233 795 m².”Why the hospital’s size was a talking pointChris Hani Baragwanath began its life as a military hospital, serving British troops in the Second World War. Its name was derived from Cornishman John Albert Baragwanath.After 1948, and the establishment o...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.