Task team set up to relocate mental health patients

A government task team led by the Gauteng director-general (DG) in the office of the premier, Phindile Baleni, together with the national health department DG, Precious Matsoso, has commenced work in preparation for the relocation of the mental health patients currently being cared for in various NGOs.

According to a media statement issued by the Gauteng provincial government on Thursday, the team visited the NGOs to establish the number of mental health patients being cared for at the NGOs.

Representatives of the families were also part of the task team to ensure families were part of the relocation process. The team will identify public health institutions that are wellequipped to care for the mental health patients.

“All this information will be critical in determining the correct steps as part of relocating the mental health patients,” reads the statement.

“This is in line with the health ombudsman, professor Malegapuru Makgoba’s recommendations to premier David Makhura following the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of mentally ill patients in Gauteng.”

According to the statement, Makhura will implement the health ombudsman’s recommendations without any reservation or delay.

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