Health ombudsman to probe deaths
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has asked the health ombudsman to probe claims that 36 psychiatric patients in Gauteng died after being transferred from Life Esidimeni earlier this year. The patients died after Gauteng’s health department transferred them to the care of NGOs after terminating its contract with Life Esidimeni. The national Department of Health said the decision to approach the ombudsman was taken after a meeting with Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu on Wednesday.