Makhura still claims ignorance of Esidimeni saga

During his State of the Province Address, Gauteng Premier, David Makhura said, about the Life Esidimeni saga after the contract with the institution was terminated, “Contracts with any service provider must never compromise service delivery.”

In his speech, it was the first issue he gave attention to. He stated his office has been working closely with the Esidimeni Family Committee.

He added that on Saturday, 18 February a healing ceremony was held for family members. He also called on other parties to not use the tragedy as a ‘political football’ as it prolongs the families’ pain.

In his address, Makhura confirmed that more than 100 Esidimeni patients had died, and not 94 as previously announced. He also refuted claims that he was involved in the matter, and said his office would have never approved a plan to outsource healthcare.

“I would like to state categorically that the decision to transfer Life Esidimeni mental health patients to NGOs was not made in consultation with the Provincial Executive Council,” he said.

He further stated that the NGOs they were transferred did not meet legal standards. He said the Department of Health had repeatedly reported that as a result of the new hospitals and community health centres, they had enough beds in public health facilities that could accommodate public patients from private health facilities such as Selby Hospital and the Life Esidimeni centre.

“As the Provincial Executive Council, we do not interfere in the appointment or retention of service providers by various departments, in strict observance of the laws of our land,” Makhura explained.

He said he and the newly appointed Gauteng MEC for Health, Gwen Ramokgopa, are taking swift action to implement all the recommendations of the Health Ombudsman.

He ended off by saying memorial stones will be erected in honour of those who have passed on.

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Also read:

BREAKING: “All lies” – Patient toll at 94

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