Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi says the Eastern Cape Health Department needs to strengthen its mental health systems within the next twelve months.
Dr Motsoaledi was addressing the media in the provincial Health Department offices in Bhisho on Monday.
This follows after the Health Ombudsman released a report in August on the investigation into allegations of patient mismanagement and rights violations at Tower Psycho-social Rehabilitation Centre.
Earlier this year, the Fort Beaufort based Rehabilitation Centre made headlines following the ill treatment of patients at the facility, bringing the reputation of the Health Department into disrepute.
Dr Motsoaledi, who also announced Professor Dan Mkhize as the province's new Mental Health Administrator, said Mkhize should develop a provincial mental health policy through consultation with a range of stakeholders.
He said these stakeholders should include Government, NGOs and relevant communities.
