BREAKING: Gauteng Health MEC resigns following damning report into psychiatric patient deaths
The Gauteng MEC for Health, Qedani Mahlangu, has resigned - following the release of a report into the deaths of mentally-ill patients who were moved from a Johannesburg hospital and taken to various NGOs.
The announcement was made by Gauteng Premier David Makhura a short while ago - following the release of the report into the patient deaths.
In September, Mahlangu said only 36 patients had died - but following an investigation, the Health Ombudsman - Professor Malegapuru Makgoba - said the total number of deaths was in fact 94 and counting.
In the same month, Minister of Health, Aaron Motsoaledi, asked Makgoba to investigate the deaths of the patients - after they were transferred from the Life Esidimeni Hospital's facility in Joburg - to various NGOs in May and June.
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Makgoba made the shocking revelation shortly before news of Mahlangu's immediate resignation came to the fore.
"A total of 94 - and not 36 - mentally ill patients have died during this process. And the reason why I call it a provisional number, is because there are other agencies that are investigating this process, like SAPS," he said.
#LifeEsidimeni Makgoba lists the negligent/reckless decisions.
— Maryke Vermaak (@MarykeVermaak) February 1, 2017
MV pic.twitter.com/TFpBQhWdGU
Makgoba also recommended that along with Mahlangu - other senior officials from that province's Health Department - be dismissed.
"Disciplinary action must be taken against the HOD, and the Director - and this must also be reported to their respective health professional councils," he said.
Makgoba says it's also come to light that all 27 NGOs where the patients had been sent to - were operating under invalid licenses. He says steps are being taken to prevent further deaths.