MEC taking action against officials over Life Esidimeni deaths
Several health officials are facing disciplinary processes or have been suspended in connection with the Life Esidimeni tragedy, Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa has confirmed.
Briefing the media in Johannesburg, Ramokgopa gave the assurance that she is implementing the health ombudsman's recommendations following the deaths of at least 100 psychiatric patients.
So far, about 500 patients have been moved, with more than 700 yet to be transferred from unlawful NGOs.
Ramokgopa says officials responsible for the botched transfer won't escape culpability.
"Seven have been suspended, which includes the Head of Department and the Director for Mental Health Services. Of the five officials referred to, the Chief Director for District Services of Tshwane, where most of the deaths happened in the NGOs are on precautionary transfer to Ekurhuleni," says Ramokgopa.
Ramokgopa says her department is committed to ensuring nothing of this nature ever happens again.
"We have agreed with the team that we need to work together to ensure that no other programme is run in the manner that it is run by any other team in the Department of Health in Gauteng."