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DPSA statement on Esidimeni


DISABLED PEOPLE SOUTH AFRICA MEDIA STATEMENT ON THE TRAGIC LOSS OF 36 PSYCHIATRIC PATIENTS IN GAUTENG

3/10/2016 Press Release

DPSA has learned with shock and horror of the death of 36 patients with intellectual impairments who were “cared for” by the Gauteng Department of Health. We would foremost wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of the 36 deceased patients. It is our view that these deaths could have been prevented if greater care and circumspect was applied in the consideration of transferring the 36 patients.

We further note the little or no rage from many quarters of society proving indeed that some consider the life of a disabled person less valuable. Given the number of people who lost their lives; it would have been interesting to see society as enraged as they were with the Marikana Massacre; this incident in our hearts and minds is of similar weight as Marikana.

The patience died as they were transferred from one facility to others. Because there is no one size fits all approach to disability; it appears to us that this was not taken into cognizance as the patience were being transferred and thus a one size fits all approach was applied. Whilst we support the partnership between the state and Non-Governmental Organisations as the transfers were intended to achieve; we would want issues of capacity and capability of those NGO’s to be tested first before allocating patients to them.

Together with other organisations in the sector; DPSA will write to the Minister of Health, Premier of Gauteng and MEC of Health with the view of meeting with them to discuss this and provide a way forward.

Disabled People South Africa will also be looking into possible litigation for the families of those who lost their lives purely because there was sheer disregard for the safety of those constituting our constituency.

As we approach the Disability Month meant to celebrate achievements towards mainstreaming of disability; clearly this year too we as South Africa cannot celebrate in the light of this tragedy.

Ends

Issued by: Robert Masambo – National Chairperson

Contact details: Olwethu Sipuka – National Spokesperson

Tel: 078 456 1411

Email: media@dpsa.org.za


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