Gauteng Health MEC resigns after deaths of mentally ill patients
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has accepted the resignation of Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu.
"Last night, I received letter from Ms Qedani Mahlangu tendering her resignation as the MEC for Health and a member of the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. I have accepted her resignation," says Makhura.
Makhura says he intends to appoint the former Deputy Minister of Health and former MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramakgopa, as the new MEC.
"Dr. Gwen Ramakgopa's depth of experience and expertise in the public health sector will help us to overhaul mental health and sustain some of the general improvements that we have been making in the public health system in our province," says Makhura.
Mahlangu resigned following the finding of the report by the Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgoba that 94 mentally ill patients died after they were transferred from Gauteng's Life Esidimeni to NGO's between March and December last year.