The Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi has in terms of section 88A (2) and (3) (a) of the National Health Amendment Act, no 63 of 2003 today appointed an Ad-hoc Independent tribunal.

The tribunal headed by the retired Judge President of the Gauteng High Court, Judge Bernard Ngoepe will process all appeals relating to Health Ombuds report into circumstances surrounding the deaths of mentally ill patients, Gauteng Province.

The tribunal consists of the following:

1. Judge Bernard Ngoepe (Chairperson). The retired Judge President of the North Gauteng High Court.
2. Prof. Brian Robertson, the retired professor of Psychiatry, University of Cape Town.
3. Prof. Hoosen Coovadia, retired professor of Pediatrics, University of Natal.

The act says a tribunal must consists of not more than three persons; of whom -
(a) One must be a person who is a retired judge of a High Court or a retired magistrate, who must be the chairperson; and
(b) Two must be persons appointed on account of their knowledge of the health care industry.

The Independent Ad-Hoc tribunal is appointed with immediate effect and is expected to conclude the appeal process within a period of two months.

The Minister of Health, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi wishes members of the tribunal well in discharging their responsibilities.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of the National Department of Health