DEADLINE NOT MET FOR TRANSFER OF ESIDIMENI PATIENTS
The 45 day deadline by the Health Ombudsman looms today for moving more than 700 patients from unlawful NGOs to facilities where they will receive proper care and treatment.
In his report, Professor Malegapuru Makgoba recommended as follows:
"All patients from LIfe Esidimeni currently placed in unlawful NGOs must be urgently removed and placed in appropriate Health Establishments within the Province where competencies to take care of their specialized needs are constantly available, this must be done within 45 days to reduce risk and save life; simultaneously, a full assessment and costing must be undertaken."
According to a statement last week by Gauteng Health MEC Gwen Ramokgopa, only 63 patients had been moved from two NGOs.
The main alternatives for the patients are the Selby Park Clinic and re-opened Life Esidimeni facilities.