Makhura suspends head of health department
Gauteng Premier David Makhura has suspended the head of the provincial health department‚ Dr Tiego Selebano‚ following findings of gross negligence in the handling of psychiatric patient care.
The department has also given the province’s director of mental health services‚ Dr Makgabo Manamela‚ notice of intention to suspend.
“The suspension and notice of intention to suspend have been effected in line with recommendation two and three of the Health Ombud report released by Prof Malegapuru Makgoba following the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the death of mentally ill patients in Gauteng‚” Makhura’s office said.
This comes after the health ombudsman found that 94 psychiatric patients died after being transferred from Life Esidimeni care centres to 27 unregistered nongovernmental organisations (NGOs) across the province.
The ombudsman called for urgent action to be taken, including the closure of some NGOs, and for the remaining patients to be moved to registered facilities.
Dr Ernest Kenoshi‚ CEO of the Steve Biko Academic Hospital‚ has been appointed as acting head of department. Kenoshi holds a master’s in public health from Wits University and previously worked as a senior superintendent and principal medical officer in hospitals around Gauteng.
“He has been managing the Steve Biko Academic Hospital‚ one of the biggest hospitals in the province‚ for the past 15 years. His long track record in the public healthcare sector will assist in stabilising the department‚ strengthen its leadership and ensure the achievement of better health outcomes in the province‚” the province said.
The task team set up by Makhura to visit the NGOs has visited 20 so far. “This process will be concluded by Friday. The team is also working towards identifying institutions that are well equipped to care for the mental health patients‚” the province said.
The department of health will inspect the empty premises of the Waverley Life Esidimeni clinic in Germiston on Thursday. Life Healthcare group had repeatedly offered to make its unused facilities available should the department require them‚ said Life Healthcare senior executive Nilesh Patel.