Gauteng’s R67 Billion Health Boost: New Hospitals, Faster Surgeries, and a Focus on Dignity

New hospitals, faster surgeries, and a bold focus on dignity in healthcare

In a province where long queues, crumbling infrastructure, and overworked staff have become everyday frustrations, Gauteng’s R67 billion health budget for 2025/26 feels like a turning point.

Unveiled by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko at the provincial legislature this week, the plan is not just about plugging holes. It’s about reimagining how healthcare should work, for everyone.

Hospitals Rebuilt, Wards Refreshed

From Daveyton’s brand-new hospital to Carletonville and Bheki Mlangeni’s operating theatre revamps, R1.7 billion is being poured into bricks, beds, and bold fixes. R100 million will go specifically toward laundry and theatre upgrades, a small but crucial part of restoring dignity in how public health functions daily.

The Johan Heyns Community Health Centre will be upgraded into a fully fledged district hospital, while Sterkfontein Psychiatric Hospital is set to receive 287 new mental health beds, a gamechanger in a province that still lives in the shadow of the Life Esidimeni tragedy.

Digitisation to Cut Chaos

The digital revolution is finally making its way into Gauteng’s clinics. Following a pilot at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, 36 more facilities will roll out digital patient systems.

And it’s not just about better record-keeping. This rollout includes skills training for 100 young people in surrounding communities, blending healthcare with economic upliftment.

Mental Health Funding More Than Tripled

Mental health often takes a backseat in public health discourse. Not this year.

Gauteng will boost mental health allocations from R484 million to R1.4 billion over the medium term. That means 400 new long-term care beds, and expanded therapy and rehabilitation services at Tara Hospital.

This renewed focus is long overdue, especially in the wake of Life Esidimeni and the growing mental health burden from unemployment, substance abuse, and gender-based violence.

Surgery, Without the Wait

One of the most striking innovations is the introduction of a Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG)—an ambitious promise to give patients a timeline for their surgeries at the time of booking.

To kick things off, clinical teams will perform 1,000 surgeries on Mandela Day, ranging from cleft palate repair to prostate cancer and cataract removal.

It’s symbolic, yes, but it also sends a clear message: public health must be responsive, not reactive.

HIV, TB, and Getting Back to Basics

Despite facing global funding cuts, Gauteng is staying the course in fighting HIV and tuberculosis, with R5.4 billion allocated this year.

With 95% of people living with HIV knowing their status and 76% on treatment, the next step is ambitious: bring back 326,000 people lost to treatment, and test 900,000 for TB by December.

Cost Controls and Lawsuits Down

Perhaps the most quietly impressive achievement is how Gauteng is managing its medico-legal risk. Once facing a staggering R24.7 billion in contingent liabilities, that number has dropped to R7.2 billion a sign that improving systems is already paying off.

“We are shifting from paying for mistakes to preventing them,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko, echoing a philosophy that seems to underpin the entire plan.

A New Era or More Broken Promises?

As the ink dries on this R67 billion commitment, the pressure now shifts to delivery. Public trust in Gauteng’s healthcare system has been deeply eroded. Only consistent, patient-centred, dignified care will win it back.

Still, for the first time in years, there’s a sense that something is finally moving in the right direction.

“This budget is for impact and delivery,” the MEC concluded. “To ensure dignity and care remain central to our service.”

Time will tell whether Gauteng’s health system can truly turn a corner, but for now, hope is back on the table.

{Source: The Citizen}

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