Gauteng MEC for Health and Social development, Qedani Mahlangu, has noted with concern reports that a man has been told to wait up to five years to find out exactly what led to his wife's death.
Following a meeting with the CEO of Forensic Pathology Services this morning MEC Mahlangu said she is disappointed that it takes a very long time before families can find out the causes of deaths of their loved ones. She says while there are challenges such as skills shortage, technology and personnel, families cannot wait for long time before they get results of post-mortem.
Mahlangu says the department will engage with the national ministry and the private sector with a view to ensure that waiting time is shortened. The MEC has also instructed the CEO to give a report on the processes including the turnaround time in carrying out post-mortems of gunshot, stabbing, poisoning, suicide, and motor vehicle accident as well other challenges.
MEC Mahlangu would like to apologise to the family and has promised that the department will do what it can to ensure that this situation is resolved.
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