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Shaik's mental health 'a worry'
17/02/2007 22:36 - (SA)
Nivashni Nair
Durban - Convicted fraudster Schabir Shaik this week made the transition from private hospital patient to prisoner without any news on his mental state, having previously been described as a suicide risk.
His psychiatrist, Professor A E Gangat, had said this resumed his 15-year sentence at Westville Prison on Thursday after an order from Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour.
Shaik's doctors, who had feared that his physical health and mental state could worsen if he was imprisoned before his treatment in hospital was complete, on Friday refused to disclose whether his condition had been affected by his being back behind bars since Thursday.
Gangat told Weekend Witness that he could not divulge any information regarding Shaik's condition due to patient/doctor confidentiality. He said he would comment only if Shaik authorised it.
Medical care set to continue behind bars
When asked if he would continue to treat Shaik in Westville Prison, Gangat said the Correctional Services Department would have to make that decision.
According to Balfour's comments, it seems that Gangat and Shaik's physician, Dr A S Gaffoor, might be allowed to treat Shaik at the prison hospital.
He had said that Shaik was sent to Westville Prison so he could be close to his doctors and family. He added that a prisoner was allowed private treatment at his own costs.
However, at this stage, Shaik's medical aid claims are being investigated by Discovery Health.
The medical aid company is expected to make a decision within the next two weeks on whether to continue funding Shaik's medical expenses. Shaik's medical bills are reportedly standing at about R700 000.
IFP calls for 'no further luxuries'
Meanwhile, the Inkatha Freedom Party (IFP) has welcomed the news that Shaik is back behind bars.
"The IFP welcomes Correctional Services Minister Ngconde Balfour's decision to send Shaik back to prison, immediately ending his luxury-hotel-like stay at St Augustine's Hospital. It is, however, extremely disappointing that Minister Balfour only launched an investigation into Shaik's lengthy hospital stay after the medical aid scheme, Discovery Health, started an investigation into Mr Shaik's exuberant hospital costs," Sybil Seaton said.
She added that the IFP hopes that Shaik will not get preferential treatment in prison.
"The IFP can only hope that this signals the end of Shaik's preferential treatment and that he will not be granted any further luxuries, such as a special cell or hospital bed at Westville Prison, Seaton said.
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