Parliament horrified by death of 94 mentally ill patients in Gauteng

Parliament’s portfolio committee on health was horrified on Wednesday by the news that 94 mentally ill patients had died after being sent to NGOs that were ill equipped to care for them in Gauteng.

The health ombudsman‚ Professor Malegapuru Makgoba‚ has found that the Department of Health was negligent when it moved 1‚900 patients from the licensed Life healthcare facility to 27 unlicensed facilities.

Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu resigned in the wake of the scandal on Wednesday.

Acting committee chair Fish Mahlalela said: “We are saddened and horrified by the horrific report and we urge the Minister of Health to ensure appropriate actions are taken and the recommendations are fully implemented as a matter of urgency.”

The committee welcomed the resignation of Mahlangu and the appointment of her replacement‚ Dr Gwen Ramokgopa.

“Those that have acted improperly on the matter need to face disciplinary actions‚” said Mahlalela.