Health

Gauteng Criticised for Delay in Procuring Radiation Equipment

Published

11 months ago

June 26, 2023

Cancer patients are saying that Gauteng delays getting cancer treatment equipment and personnel. Despite receiving R784m in March to address the backlog of patients, Gauteng’s health department faces these accusations. Section27, Cancer Alliance, and the Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) have criticised the department for its slow response. At the same time, over 3,000 cancer patients remain on the waiting list for oncology treatment at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital and Steve Biko Hospital. SowetanLIVE reports that the bidding process for service providers only began last week, several months after the funds were allocated.

According to Section27 attorney Khanyisa Mapipa, it is essential to distinguish between the backlog list and the waiting list. The backlog refers to patients waiting for treatment but did not receive it within the recommended time frame. Mapipa revealed that Charlotte Maxeke had a backlog of 2,500 patients, while Steve Biko had 526 patients waiting for treatment. The leading causes of the backlog are the need for more radiation oncology machinery and personnel in Gauteng.

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Patients affected by the backlog are facing dire consequences. One Gauteng patient, who has been waiting since October, expressed the financial strain her family is under as they consider taking out a loan to pay for her treatment. Despite being classified as a high-risk patient, she fell into the backlog list, highlighting the urgency of receiving radiation treatment. The patient shared her frustration at being turned away from Charlotte Maxeke and feeling that the department does not prioritise the well-being of patients.

Responding to the allegations, a department spokesperson said they urgently treat the matter and follow due processes. Efforts to address the surgical backlog have impacted the healthcare system in Gauteng, and the department acknowledges the need to appoint private sector providers to supply radiation oncology services. The spokesperson emphasised the importance of complying with applicable legislative frameworks and stated that the tender advertisement for outsourcing radiation oncology services at the two hospitals is underway.

The delays in securing cancer treatment equipment and personnel have caused significant distress and hardship for cancer patients in Gauteng. The long waiting lists and backlog highlight the urgent need for prompt action and effective management of healthcare resources to ensure timely and equitable access to life-saving treatments.

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