The Democratic Alliance notes the concern expressed by four United Nations Human Rights experts over the death of at least 37 psychiatric patients who were transferred by the Gauteng Health Department to unsuitable NGOs.
I agree with their call for a clear and sustainable deinstitutionalization policy and a plan of action to avoid another tragedy.
It is significant that the deaths have attracted international attention but Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu still refuses to be accountable and resign.
It is now 80 days since she revealed the deaths in reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.
Last week on Friday in the debate on the Annual Report of the Premier’s Office, Premier David Makhura brushed aside calls to fire her.
Makhura is shamefully disregarding the many calls for her to go and be replaced by someone with the expertise and compassion to improve health care in Gauteng.
Media enquiries:
DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health
082 333 4222