Experts appointed to assist with probe into death of 36 psychiatric patients
THE Health Ombudsman has put together a team of four independent psychiatric experts and a public health expert to assist with the investigation into the death of 36 psychiatric patients who were moved to NGOs after the cancellation of the contract with Life Esidimeni.Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi last week asked the ombudsman to step in.The patients died after Gauteng’s health department transferred them to the care of NGOs after terminating its contract with healthcare provider Life Esidimeni, which was treating them as psychiatric patients.The national health department said the decision to approach the Ombudsman was taken after a meeting with Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.The Health Ombudsman Prof Malegapuru Makgoba on Wednesday said the office of health standards compliance had also put together a team of inspectors to conduct inspections at the health NGOs where the patients had died."The purpose of the inspections is to assess the veracity of the allegations as well a...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.