Psychiatric patients in Standerton neglected by provincial government
The statement concluded by saying it has been 27 years since the dawn of democracy and the people of Mpumalanga are yet to see a fully-fledged psychiatric hospital.
Psychiatric patients in Mpumalanga have been neglected by the provincial government.
This is the opinion of the DA-spokesman on Health, Ms Jane Sithole.
According to a statement of 3 June, the Mpumalanga MEC for Social Development, Ms Lindiwe Ntshalintshali, follows in the footsteps of her predecessors for the total lack of interest in the treatment of psychiatric patients in the province.
Ms Ntshalintshali refused in the legislature during an oral reply session on 11 May, to respond to a DA-question regarding the shortage of long-term care facilities.
“She was adamant that she had responded to these questions and therefore refused to provide responses even after the Speaker of the House, Ms Makhosazane Masilela, urged the MEC to respond,” Ms Sithole said.
“It was clear that the MEC came to the sitting unprepared.” According to the DA, the Speaker then stated that the responses will be forwarded to the legislature.
Ms Sithole also said it has been three weeks since the sitting and no response from her office has been received.
The statement concluded by saying it has been 27 years since the dawn of democracy and the people of Mpumalanga are yet to see a fully-fledged psychiatric hospital.
“Families in Mpumalanga have no choice, but to seek medical and long-term treatment for their loved ones in other provinces.”
