Widespread calls for action against MEC after Life Esidimeni report

The patients died after they were moved from Life Esidimeni hospital to various NGOs across the province.

Health Ombudsman Malegapuru Makgoba released a damning report in Pretoria today.

Makgoba warned that the death toll could still rise, as family members come forward. 

He says other agencies, such as police, are also still investigating the matter.

The 27 NGO's where 1371 patients were sent to after Life Esidimeni's closure where found to be operating without the proper licences, training, and materials.

"It's remarkable that only on person has died of a mental health-related illness. None of the 93 died from mental illness. They died from things like dehydration, diarrhea, epilepsy and heart attacks," says Makgoba.

Makgoba wants patients still kept at any of those centres be removed as soon as possible.

He says health practitioners have a responsibility to protect life, but in this instance they failed terribly.

ALSO READ: Families of 94 psychiatric patients speak of anger, sadness 

MEC resigns

Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu resigned last night.

Premier David Makhura has accepted her resignation of Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and says he intends to appoint the former Deputy Minister of Health and former MEC for Health, Dr Gwen Ramakgopa, as the new MEC. 

In a statement, Mahlangu says she has read the report and proposes not to raise issue with its findings or recommendations.

"For the record, the genesis of the investigation by the Health Ombud was initiated by me upon the realisation that one death too many of the patients had occurred at the NGOs.  To that end, I contacted the National Minister of Health requesting him to consider the appointment of the Health Ombud to look into this matter as we were very concerned about the unfortunate turn of events," says Mahlangu.

"Whereas the Health Ombud has not found any culpability on my part for the unfortunate loss of lives by the patients; accepting that the de-institutionalisation of mental health patients is a sound and internationally recognised programme, I want to reiterate my regret at the loss of lives associated with the transfer of patients from Life Esidimeni to the various NGOs and extend my condolences to the bereaved families.  I support every initiative intended to assist and support the families," she says.

Calls for action

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, Jack Bloom has welcomed Mahlangu's resignation, but says Premier Makhura bears part of the blame.

"He should have acted earlier to fire her and taken action to protect the patients, many of whom are still suffering in unsuitable NGOs. It took 141 days for Mahlangu to resign following the first disclosure of deaths in reply to my question in the Gauteng Legislature on 13 September last year," says Bloom.

The ANC in Gauteng has also welcomed Mahlangu's resignation.

"Although the Gauteng Health Member of the Executive Council (MEC) relied on the advice of senior officials of the Gauteng Department of Health to implement the de-institutionalisation policy, we welcome her correct decision to voluntarily step down as the MEC and Member of the Provincial Legislature (MPL). This demonstrates political accountability and sensitivity to the affected families," says the ANC's Hope Papo.

Meanwhile, the EFF is calling for criminal charges to be instituted against Mahlangu and all who are involved in government and concerned NGOs.

"We call on Makhura's government to all step down as this is direct consequence of their incompetence. Criminalizing Qedani Mahlangu alone, who served at the pleasure of the Premier is wrong. In full recognition of this massacre, Makhura must step down," says the EFF's Mbuyiseni Ndlozi.

The Portfolio Committee on Health has called on the Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to ensure appropriate actions are taken and the recommendations are fully implemented as a matter of urgency.

"We welcome the placement of Dr Gwen Ramokgopa in the position of Health MEC. Those that have acted improperly on the matter need to face disciplinary actions,' says Chairperson Fish Mahlalela.

The South African Medical Association (SAMA) says Mahlangu must still be held accountable despite resignation.

"The disgraceful, unprofessional, and inhumane way the MEC dealt with this situation warranted nothing less than her removal. However, we believe, now that the Ombudsman's report is out further investigations are needed to not only finally deal with the actions of the former MEC but also those officials associated with the transfers. Former MEC Mahlangu cannot simply resign and walk away from this. She, and other officials in the department, have to be held accountable," says SAMA Chairperson Dr Mzukisi Grootboom.

JacarandaFM News asked our listeners what their thoughts were on Mahlangu's resignation. Here is what some of them had to say: