Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, welcomed the release of the Health Ombudsman’s Report earlier this week. The report contained details on the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of mentally patients.
“I deeply regret the tragic loss of so many lives under the care of our provincial government as a result of the action taken by officials in the Gauteng Department of Health to transfer patients from Life Esidimeni to NGOs that were not ready.
“As the Premier of Gauteng, I accept the report and will fully and urgently implement its recommendations without any reservation or delay. It is clear from the report that there has been both improper and negligent conduct on the part of officials in the Department of Health in implementation of the policy of de-institutionalisation of mental health. As a result, many of our beloved citizens have died, causing severe pain and anguish to the bereaved families,” he said in his statement.
In light of the report’s findings, the MEC for Health and Gauteng Provincial Legislature member Qedani Mahlangu has resigned.
“Like all members of our provincial executive council, she fully understands that if something goes profoundly wrong in your area of responsibility and executive authority, you have to take direct accountability and not pass the buck to junior officials,”said Makhura.
Former Deputy Minister of Health and former MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramakgopa will be taken on as the new MEC for Health, pending the amendment of the ANC list at the Gauteng Provincial Legislature (GPL) and her swearing in as a member of the GPL.
MEC for Social Development, Nandi Mayathula-Khoza will act as the MEC for Health over the next few days.
All patients that are currently placed in NGOs will be transferred back to public health care facilities and state-owned institutions where competencies to take care of their specialised needs are available. This process will be initiated within the next 7 days so that it can be concluded within 45 days, in line with the recommendations of the Health Ombudsman’s report.
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