
VEREENIGING. – Democratic Alliance’s Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, MPL Jack Bloom says he is horrified by the alleged suicide of seven-month-pregnant Refilwe Thamae (26) from Sharpeville. The incident happened at the Kopanong Hospital in Vereeniging where Thamae was admitted after showing signs of mental illness.
“The 7-month pregnant woman was admitted to Ward 6 last week, but on Saturday morning her devastated mother was told she had committed suicide by hanging herself with a doek in the toilet. Her unborn baby died with her. Poignantly, World Suicide Prevention Day was commemorated on 10 September,” Bloom said.
According to Bloom, incompetence and misplaced priorities are to blame for the inadequate care of psychiatric patients at the hospital.
“When I visited in 2016, they had yet to finish a psychiatric ward that was supposed to be completed in 2007. The situation now is that mental patients are often placed in ordinary wards because the one psychiatric ward for male patients is full.
“Meanwhile, R115 million was wasted on incomplete wards that were built for the COVID-19 pandemic that now stand empty without use. There needs to be a full inquiry into this tragic death which highlights the lack of proper facilities for mental patients in our hospitals.”
Bloom states that assistance should be provided for the burial as the family cannot afford to bury her.
“The DA will demand answers as to why psychiatric patients are still badly treated despite the Life Esidimeni tragedy where 144 patients died after being sent to unsuitable NGOs,” he added.
Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) confirmed the incident.
“The unfortunate incident has been reported to the SAPS which has already opened an inquest docket. The GDoH’s Quality Assurance unit will also conduct an internal investigation as this case is regarded as a Patient Safety Incident.”
GDoH states that the internal processes are expected to take more than 60 days to conclude.
“The department has already conveyed its condolences to the bereaved family and has arranged counseling services for both the family and staff at the Kopanong District Hospital.”