Health MEC failed Ouma Martha with empty promises, says family
The Marais family feel Dr Bandile Masuku has failed their elderly grandmother, who was tied up at the Mamelodi hospital in May.
No justice for ouma Martha as family feel the MEC has failed their elderly grandmother. Photo: Supplied.
76-year-old Ouma Martha Marais of Eersterust, who was found tied to a steel bench at the Mamelodi regional hospital on May 29, is still recovering at home.
The Marais family was, however, “disgusted” with the department of health after its public promises to the family failed to materialise.
Spokesperson for the Marais family Virginia Keppler said on Monday the department had broken promises regarding the after-care of Ouma Martha, reports Pretoria Moot Rekord.
ALSO READ: Family of grandmother abused by hospital staff to take legal action
“Health MEC Dr Bandile Masuku never kept his promise to arrange counselling for Ouma Martha at home. She only received one visit by a psychologist, a doctor and nurse and they also brought new crutches for her,” Keppler said in a press statement.
Keppler said Ouma Martha was taken to the Eersterust clinic for trauma counselling once but was “overwhelmed” and couldn’t go back.
“She is still very much traumatised. She cries a lot and is still scared of those who were involved in her being tied with her hands behind her back to the legs of a steel bench at the Mamelodi hospital.”
Ouma Martha does not sleep well and does not want to be alone in a room for long.
“Ouma Martha was supposed to go back to the Mamelodi hospital today to get her results for [a] test done after her last visit, but refused point-blank because she is too scared. She started crying and said she is scared to go back because she thinks they will admit her and then abuse her again.”
Keppler said it was clear the MEC had no regard for the life of this senior citizen because neither he nor his office had followed to find out about her well-being.
“What happened to Ouma Martha is the worst kind of injustice. But what is happening now is as disgusting because the system is failing her and her family again and again and again.”
The family has demanded that the MEC step up to the plate and keep his promises.
Health department spokesperson Lesemang Matuka confirmed receipt of the press statement from the Marais family.
“I forwarded it to management, but I am not sure if they will comment on the matter,” Matuka told Pretoria Moot Rekord.
Matuka also said there were no new developments in the case against the three doctors, a nurse and two security guards suspected of involvement in the abuse of Ouma Martha.
For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
