Health Dept to study Life Esidimeni judgement before commenting

JOHANNESBURG - The Department of Health says it is yet to study to the full Life Esidimeni judgement, before commenting on its implications on the public health sector.

The Pretoria High Court handed down its judgement on Wednesday - almost a decade after 144 mental health patients died in Gauteng.

The patients were moved from Life Esidimeni facilities to ill-equipped non-governmental organisations.

It ruled that former Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and the former Head of Mental Health Makgabo Manamela’s negligent conduct caused the deaths of some of the mental health patients in 2016.

ALSO READ: Court finds deaths of 9 Life Esidimeni patients caused by negligence of Mahlangu & Manamela

National health spokesperson Foster Mohale said: “Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says this will bring proper closure and healing to all the families.”

Gauteng government spokesperson Vuyo Mhaga said the refurbishment of some healthcare facilities in the province has since been prioritised to improve mental healthcare infrastructure and services.

“Premier Panyaza Lesufi added that following the Life Esidimeni tragedy the provincial government has made concerted efforts to ensure that the rights of mental healthcare users are promoted and always safeguarded.”