Health Ombudsman to investigate allegations of psychiatric patients death

14 September 2016

The Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi has asked the Office of Health Ombudsman to investigate allegations that 36 psychiatric patients in Gauteng died after transferred from Life Health Care, Esidimeni into care of Non-governmental organizations early this year.

The decision to ask the Health Ombudsman to investigate this allegations was taken after a marathon consultation meeting between the Minister  of Health  & Gauteng MEC for Health Ms Qedani Mahlangu this afternoon.

The MEC gave the minister an update report on the transfer of psychiatric patient and further asked for intervention by the National department to deal with the matter effectively.

"This are the kind of cases that must be thoroughly investigated by the Office of the Health Ombudsman and provide us with a report and recommendations for us to act. The Office of Health Ombudsman is established to investigate this kind of cases," Motsoaledi said.

Earlier this year (May 2016), the Minister of Health Dr Aaron Motsoaledi announced Professor Malegapuru Makgoba as the very first South Africa's Health Ombudsman to among others, investigate people's complaints against health establishments in the country.

Issued by Joe Maila, Ministry of Health: Spokesperson, 14 September 2016