Gauteng government takes full blame for mental health patient deaths, says Lesufi

JOHANNESBURG – Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says his government takes full responsibility for patient deaths.

He was responding to a Health Ombud report that found shocking treatment of mental health patients.

It was probing the death of Lerato Mohlamme, who died at Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa.

READ | Health Ombud finds patient denied food, medication before death

It was initially reported that she died when a fire broke out in her seclusion room.

The Ombud found that not only was she illegally admitted, but she was also starved as punishment.

Lesufi is promising to strengthen patient safety. 

“We deeply regret and take full responsibility for the failures that have been identified by the Office of the Ombuds,” Lesufi said.

“Especially the rights of mental care users in our institutions, including the unfortunate use of punitive practices, inadequate infrastructure, inadequate staffing, and insufficient staff knowledge in terms of the Mental Health Care Act needs. We have no intention to disguise our disappointment, but also have no intention to put excuses forward.”