Eight years after the Life Esidimeni tragedy in South Africa, psychiatric care in the public health system is still inadequate. Suicidal young people face long waits for counseling and facilities for those with mental and physical disabilities are scarce. Experts emphasize the need for more education and funding to improve the system.
Health Beat investigates the state of psychiatric care in South Africa by visiting a mental health organization in Hammanskraal, Gauteng, and speaking to Section27, the Gauteng government, and counseling organization Heal SA. Has the system improved since the tragic incident that claimed the lives of 141 mental health patients due to negligence?
*This story was produced by the Bhekisisa Centre for Health Journalism.
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