Release of report into patient deaths delayed

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.

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Also read: 

Gauteng health MEC in hotseat after waves of deaths

Health Dept put its foot down

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