Release of report into patient deaths delayed
Jack Bloom, Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, expects the delayed report into patient deaths to be devastating and some senior officials to be held criminally liable.
![](https://images.caxton.co.za/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2017/01/document-428331_960_40516.jpg)
Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu has requested extra time to respond to the Health Ombudsman’s report about the deaths of psychiatric patients in Gauteng.
The approximately 60 patients who died were former Life Esidimeni patients, but the facility was forced to shut down.
The patients were subsequently transferred to psychiatric hospitals as well as non-governmental organisations. According to Jack Bloom, Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Mahlangu had to respond to the report by Friday, 13 January.
The Ombudsman has since given Mahlangu until the end of Tuesday, 24 January to respond. Referring to the extension, Bloom said he was disappointed but not surprised.
“I expect that the findings of the report are devastating and that MEC Mahlangu and some senior officials could be held criminally liable,” Bloom said.
He added that accountability in a matter where deaths could have been prevented is of the utmost importance.
“I hope that there are no further delaying tactics by the MEC and that the report is made public soon after she has responded to it,” Bloom concluded.
Do you perhaps have more information pertaining to this story? Email us at randfonteinherald@caxton.co.za (remember to include your contact details) or phone us on 011 693 3671.
Also read:
Gauteng health MEC in hotseat after waves of deaths
For free daily local news on the West Rand, also visit our sister newspaper websites Roodepoort Record, Krugersdorp News and Get It Joburg West Magazine
Remember to visit our Facebook, Twitter and Instagram pages to let your voice be heard!