Cape Town – President Jacob Zuma on Thursday welcomed the report of the health ombudsman which found that at least 94 psychiatric patients had died in between March and December last year after being transferred from Life Healthcare Esidimeni to unlicenced NGO's contracted by the Gauteng health department.
"The President thanks Professor [Malegapuru] Makgoba for the investigation, which will help Government to ensure that such a tragedy does not recur in the health sector," a statement from the presidency said, while also extended condolences to the families of the deceased.
"The President will be apprised by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, on steps to be taken to ensure that utmost care, support, empathy and expertise are made available to patients requiring mental health care."
On Wednesday, health ombudsman, Prof Malegapuru Makgoba, released his report titled "94 silent deaths and still counting". He said at least 94 patients had died, instead of the 36 reported by Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu in September last year.
Mahlangu quit shortly after the revelations.