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The Select Committee on Social Services welcomes the initiation of an investigation by the Office of the Health Ombud as directed by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, into allegations that 36 psychiatric patients in Gauteng died after being transferred from Life Esidimeni Health Care into the care of non-governmental organisations. The Committee conveys its heartfelt condolences to the families of the 36 patients that have passed on.  

“While the Committee is cognisant of the need to find alternative measures to care for patients, these measures should have been made with the clear understanding and guarantees that the care of patients will not deteriorate. Every decision that is made must have as its central pillar the delivery of quality care for our people,” said Ms Cathy Dlamini, the Chairperson of the Committee.

The Committee urges the Office of the Health Ombud to speed up the investigation to prevent any further loss of life. The Committee will engage the Department of Health, both at national and provincial level in efforts aimed at ensuring quality care for all patients.

Issued by Parliamentary Communication Services on behalf of the Chairperson of the Select Committee on Social Services, Ms Cathy Dlamini