GDoH quashes DA’s comparison of Talisman Foundation move with tragic Life Esidimeni saga

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has dismissed claims by the Democratic Alliance (DA) that the relocation of mental health patients from the Talisman Foundation could mirror the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

The GDoH said the party’s statement is misleading, insisting that no patients have been moved from the facility.

The foundation faces an eviction deadline in May.

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GDoH officials said the situation arose after the property owner issued an eviction notice

The department has promised that it is working on a solution and it's committed to consulting with families and caregivers before any decisions are taken.

The DA has warned of possible risks, drawing parallels with the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where more than 141 mentally ill patients died after being transferred to unsuitable facilities.

The department said that should relocation become necessary, it will follow a structured, phased and clinically supervised process in line with legal requirements.