Suspensions served on health officials
She has 48 hours to respond and give reasons why she should not be suspended in line with the public service regulations
The Gauteng Premier, David Makhura, has placed Dr Barney Selebane, Head of the Department of Health, on precautionary suspension in line with the recommendation of the Heath Ombudsman. The Director of Mental Health, Makgabo Manamela, has also been served with a notice of intention to suspend her. She has 48 hours to respond and give reasons why she should not be suspended in line with the public service regulations.
The suspension and notice of intention to suspend have been effected in line with recommendations 2 and 3 of the Health Ombud’s report released by Professor Malegapuru Makgoba following the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of 94 mentally ill patients in Gauteng.
The Premier has appointed Dr Ernest Kenoshi who is currently the CEO of Steve Biko Academic Hospital, as the Acting Head of Department. He is an MBCH.B graduate from the University of Natal where he completed his training in 1976 . He also holds a Masters degree in Public Health (Hospital Management) from the University of the Witwatersrand. Dr Kenoshi’s previous experience includes being a Senior Superintendent and Principal Medical officer in various hospitals in Gauteng.
He has been managing the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, one of the biggest hospitals in the province, for the past 15 years. His long track record in the public health-care sector will assist in stabilising the department, strengthen its leadership and ensure the achievement of better health outcomes in the province.
Meanwhile, a task team consisting of senior officials, specialists in the area of mental health, doctors, psychiatrists, psychologists, nurses, occupational therapists, civil society organisations, and family representatives, has inspected twenty NGOs that had patients who were transferred from Life Esidimeni. The process was scheduled to be concluded on Friday, 10 February. The team is also working towards identifying institutions that are well-equipped to care for the mental health patients in compliance with the Mental Health Care Act (2002).
Family members are constantly engaged in these developments and have representatives in the advisory teams.
In addition, Makhura has reiterated that he will continue to urgently implement the Health Ombudsman’s recommendations without any reservation or delay.
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