Department promises extra vigilance on mental health NGOs

Professor Mkhululi Lukhele, acting head of department, Gauteng Health

A statement from the department says, the NGOs comply with the requirements of safe patient care and sound financial management, said the provincial department.

The regulations of Mental Health Care Act number 17 of 2002, dictate that NGOs be audited at least once per annum. The department said that in compliance with the Act, both announced and unannounced visits have been conducted to NGOs in order to monitor and support the quality of care to mental care users.

“I am quite happy that the department has undertaken this meticulous exercise with vigour to ensure that the licensing process is flawless. The safety and care of mental health users remains key to us,” said acting Head of Department, Professor Mkhululi Lukhele.

In conformity with new regulations on the licensing of NGOs issued by Health Minister, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, in March, the provincial department has begun the planning process to workshop NGOs to understand and implement the new regulations.

“The Gauteng Department of Health would also like to take this opportunity to dispel the allegations of delays in the payment of subsidies. There is no truth in this, and there are no recorded incidents/complaints about the delay/non-payment of subsidies to NGOs,” he said.