“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 then 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,” said Dr Mzukisi Grootboom, chairperson of the South African Medical Association (SAMA).
“What happened with these patients is a national tragedy on a massive scale and everything must be done to prevent something similar from happening again,” he said.
According to the ombudsman’s report, officials acted negligently in moving the patients. SAMA said it welcomed the premier’s statement that he views the improper and negligent actions of officials in a very serious light that ‘must lead to serious consequences and accountability’.
“The premier needs to ensure that this action is swift, and meaningful, not only for the sake of those involved, but for the thousands of other mentally ill patients throughout the country,” noted Grootboom.
SAMA has also welcomed the decision by the premier to move all patients currently placed in NGOs back to public healthcare.
“This is an important step by the premier because it sends the dual message that is important to care properly for mentally patients, and that the province is willing to fund their continued proper treatment. This, in our opinion, should have been the thinking from the start instead of looking at moving mentally ill patients to save money,” Grootboomsaid.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng premier, David Makhura, has announced that he intends to appoint former deputy health minister, Dr Gwen Ramokgoba, as the new health MEC in the province. She has held the post previously.
