Gauteng NGOs caring for mental health patients struggle as subsidy payments delayed

The Gauteng Department of Health and Wellness is under pressure after allegations that it has failed to pay subsidies to more than 100 non-governmental organisations (NGOs) caring for mental health patients across the province.

DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health Jack Bloom said the delayed payments have left NGOs struggling to continue operations while caring for approximately 2,500 mental health patients.

Bloom said the payment delays occur regularly at the start of the financial year in April, claiming the department often uses the new budget allocation to settle debts carried over from the previous financial year.

He said NGOs currently receive R4,205 per patient each month, while those caring for patients older than 60 receive R6,298 per patient. Bloom argued that the funding is significantly lower than the actual cost of providing proper care for patients with complex mental health needs.

“For similar care, the department pays around R18,000 per patient to commercial hospital groups,” he said.

Bloom also revealed that he had raised the matter with Acting Head of Department Dr Darion Barclay, warning that many NGOs with limited financial reserves may not survive if payments continue to be delayed.

He criticised the department for placing additional administrative burdens on NGOs instead of supporting organisations that provide essential care to vulnerable residents.

Bloom further warned that the situation risks repeating mistakes linked to the Life Esidimeni tragedy, where 144 mental health patients died after being transferred from licensed facilities to poorly equipped NGOs as part of cost-cutting measures.

The Democratic Alliance in Gauteng said it would continue pushing for prompt subsidy payments and improved cooperation between government and mental health organisations.