Premier Must Take Stern Action Over 94 Patient Deaths

Health Ombudsman’s Report

I am shocked to the core by the revelation today by the Health Ombudsman that 94 psychiatric patients died (and possibly more) after their transfer last year from Life Healthcare Esidimeni.

Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu lied to me in the Gauteng Legislature on 13 September last year when she said that 36 patients had died in the NGOs in which they were placed. Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgoba said that on that date 77 patients had already died.

Premier Makhura has to fire Mahlangu and ensure that disciplinary action is taken against the 11 senior health department officials identified in the report.

Criminal Charges

Criminal charges should also be laid against all implicated parties including those in the five NGOs where 80% of the patients died.

Premier Makhura must also ensure that immediate steps are taken to ensure the safety and well-being of all the patients who are still with the NGOs.

Makura’s image has taken a severe blow because of his failure to fire Mahlangu earlier and to replace her with a competent and caring Health MEC.

This is a crisis for the ANC in Gauteng and all those who failed to act earlier against Mahlangu.

I will study the full report and monitor the actions based on its findings.

 

 

Media enquiries:

Jack Bloom MPL

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health

082 333 4222

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DA Supports Families Demanding Gauteng Health MEC Be Fired

Mahlangu Monitor

This morning I attending the gathering outside the Gauteng Health Department head office of families of relatives who died after being transferred to NGOs earlier this year.

I support their demand that Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu accept responsibility for these deaths and resign or be fired by Premier David Makhura.

According to the Mahlangu Monitor on my twitter at @JackBloomDA #MahlanguMustGo it is now 44 days since she admitted the deaths – and is still in office.

I am horrified at the claim made today that the real figure is 60 deaths rather than the 37 that have been publicly acknowledged by the Department.

Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgopa

MEC Mahlangu must answer the official question for written reply that I asked 6 weeks ago about the number of psychiatric patients who died at each NGO.

This question is more than two weeks overdue for reply.

As more facts come to light the situation looks worse and worse.

I have made a submission to the investigation by Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgopa, and I hope that he will uncover all the facts and make a finding that ensures accountability and justice in this tragic matter.

 

Media enquiries:

Jack Bloom MPL

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health

082 333 4222