South African ‘Shambles’ Claims Lives of 93 Mentally Ill Patients in Gauteng

February 1, 2017

(BBC) – Nearly 100 mentally ill patients have died of starvation, dehydration and diarrhoea at care centres in South Africa, the health ombudsman has said. The deaths occurred between March and December 2016 following a “reckless” attempt by the government to save money, Malegapuru Makgoba said. It transferred patients from a specialised institution to centres with “invalid licences”, he added. The findings have led to the health minister in Gauteng province resigning.