JOHANNESBURG - "I regret the day we took her to the hospital."
These were the words of Molebogeng Molhamme, the sister of Lerato Mohlamme, who died at Dr George Mukhari Hospital in Ga-Rankuwa.
The Health Ombud report found shocking treatment of mental health patients.
It was initially reported that she died when a fire broke out in her seclusion room.
The Ombud found that not only was she illegally admitted, but she was also starved as punishment.
READ | Gauteng government takes full blame for mental health patient deaths, says Lesufi
This revelation has left the family in shock, saying she did not deserve such treatment, especially from doctors.
"We are though the hospital was the safest place. But unfortunately, it failed my sister. I hope they will do better next time," Molebogeng sister said.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi expressed dismay following findings that doctors at two medical facilities in Gauteng broke the cardinal rule of healthcare.
He said doctors at Dr George Mukhari Hospital and Netcare Femina violated the principle of 'first do no harm', also known as the Latin phrase primum non nocere.
READ | Motsoaledi shocked by ‘Do No Harm’ principle violation after damning Ombud findings
At Netcare Femina, a case involving the death of baby Moatlegi Masoka, the Ombud found that a clinical error occurred when adrenaline was administered intravenously instead of nebulisation.
This was a result of the incorrect prescription route and poor communication.
The Ombud highlighted systemic risks, including outdated medication protocols, inadequate shift handover procedures, and weaknesses in electronic medical record access controls.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi says his government takes full responsibility for patient deaths.