Psychiatric patient deaths: SAHRC investigating
The South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) says it's investigating whether the rights of the 94 patients who died in the care of unlicensed Gauteng NGOs last year were violated.
Health Ombudsman, Malegapuru Makgoba, released a report into the matter yesterday.
More than 1000 psychiatric patients were moved from the Life Esidimeni Hospital and transferred to 27 NGOs - after the Gauteng Health Department ended its long-standing contract with the health facility.
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The report also warns that the number of fatalities could rise - pending further investigations.
The Human Rights Commission's Gurshwell Brookes says they're looking at ways to ensure that section 27 of the Constitution - which addresses the right to access to health - is recognized.
"The report makes for very disturbing reading, the fact that 94 people have lost their lives and the count still continues. The SAHRC takes this very seriously - the role we need to play is one at this at a systemic level," he said.
Qedani Mahlangu resigned as Gauteng Health MEC on the eve of the damning report's release.