Pretoria - Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has asked the Office of the Health Ombudsman to investigate reports that 36 psychiatric patients have died in Gauteng.
The Department of Health on Wednesday said it is alleged that the 36 people died after being transferred from Life Health Care Esidimeni into the care of non-governmental organisations earlier this year.
The department said the decision to ask the Health Ombudsman to investigate these allegations was taken after a marathon meeting between Minister Motsoaledi and Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu on Wednesday.
“The MEC gave the Minister an update report on the transfer of psychiatric patients and further asked for intervention by the National Department to deal with the matter effectively,” said the department.
Minister Motsoaledi announced Professor Malegapuru Makgoba as the very first Health Ombudsman in the country in May this year. Makgoba is mandated to, among others, investigate people's complaints against health establishments in the country. - SAnews.gov.za
