Search continues for missing Life Esidimeni patients
The Department of Health in
Gauteng has vowed to leave no stone unturned in its efforts to locate 21
missing mental health patients.
The missing patients were part of Life Esidemeni tragedy.
A total of 143 patients died after the health department terminated its contract with Life Esidimeni as a cost-cutting measure, moving the patients to various NGOs around the province - some of which were operating unlawfully in 2017.
The province’s Health MEC Gwen Ramakgopa, has pleaded to the public to assist the team - which includes the police and officials from the department - to find the missing patients.
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"As a department we are concerned about the status quo and we therefore call on citizens to co-operate with police to assist with location of these patients. We will continue to work with all stakeholders to make sure that all are accounted for," says spokesperson Lesemang Matuka.
Matuka says the department has approached the Department of Home Affairs, South African Social Security Agency and the Department of Social Development to help find the patients.
"Working with hospitals in the Gauteng and other provinces and the Non-Profit Organizations, over 100 unaccounted for names were resolved. Other patients were already with their families.
"We will continue to spare no effort in working with Special Investigating Unit and other state departments to ensure we close this chapter on this tragic episode."