/ MEDIA STATEMENT / The content on this page is not written by Polity.org.za, but is supplied by third parties. This content does not constitute news reporting by Polity.org.za.

R2K Gauteng is outraged about the deaths of 94 mental health patients due to the gross negligence of both the Gauteng Provincial Health Department and provincial government. While we note the resignation of Health MEC, Ms Qedani Mahlangu, we believe that all the key players as mentioned in the Health Ombudsman’s report must face dire consequences for failing the most vulnerable members of our society. The horrendous deaths of so many constitutes a massive crime and those responsible, at all levels, must be held responsible.

Our healthcare system is in tatters, with people dying at state healthcare facilities on a daily basis while the government fails continuously to hold anyone to account. We hope the Health Ombudsman’s damning report released on Wednesday will lead to more pro-active approaches and transparent investigations by all provincial governments.

The Mental Health Care Act, no. 17 of 2002 states that the physical and emotional dignity and privacy of patients must be respected at all times. What the Esidimeni case clearly shows us is that government is failing miserably in this regard. While South African mental health care policies are said to be progressive it seems like these are not filtering down to the people who need them the most, especially for those who are most mentally and physically vulnerable and who live in low-income areas.

Government’s own statistics show that there’s a huge deficit in the amount of public funding allocated to mental health in this country. We call on national government to urgently revisit the funding models so that adequate resources are provided to those most in need and that those resources are used transparently and accountably.

While we recognise the important role played by NGOs, who have limited resources, in filling the gaps in the healthcare system not covered by government, we support the Health Ombudsman’s recommendations that all the NGOs that have been found to be operating unlawfully must be deregistered. In this respect, we also call on the task team that will be appointed to review the licensing regulations and procedures to operate in a more inclusive and transparent manner that treats people with dignity and respect. 

The Gauteng provincial government must compensate the affected families for the pain and distress they have had to endure in dealing with this tragedy. What this Esidimeni case should teach us is that all members of society should become more active and vigilant citizens standing up for the rights of the most vulnerable and holding our government to account.

Issued by R2K