The Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee comprised of multi-party members of the Provincial Legislature recently conducted a focused intervention study to evaluate the pressure points and operational efficiency of oncology services across Gauteng Province.
The visits was at key central hospitals which are Dr. George Mukhari Academic, Steve Biko Academic, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic, and Nelson Mandela Children’s Hospitals.
This initiative provided the Committee with a deeper understanding of the complex challenges involved in delivering cancer treatment and care within the public healthcare sector. Contrary to perceptions, oncology services require sophisticated coordination, far beyond what is often assumed.
The Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee in their visit identified Key Findings and Challenges, Treatments Expanding Beyond Gauteng and South Africa With a population of over 15 million, Gauteng bears the highest cancer care burden in South Africa.
“The central hospitals, originally not designed to accommodate the current patient load, are now stretched beyond capacity in providing both cancer treatment and overall healthcare services. Additionally, the backlog is exacerbated by the significant number of foreign nationals seeking cancer treatment and other healthcare services in these facilities,” Stated the Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee
“Over R700 million is currently owed to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital, while at Steve Biko Academic, the bill stands at over R400 million for the treatment of foreign nationals; further intensifying the financial strain on the system,”
Another finding highlighted Gauteng’s longstanding infrastructure challenges, with only two main radiology centres historically serving the area. However, the Committee was encouraged to see that Dr. George Mukhari Hospital is progressing with plans to construct an additional oncology facility.
Once completed, this facility will relieve pressure on existing services and enhance treatment capacity for cancer patients. However, it is essential to ensure that infrastructure expansions are matched by an increase in specialised personnel to operate the facility effectively.
“The Committee will closely monitor the project’s progress to ensure it meets deadlines and improves access to care,”
The Committee now fully understands the multi-faceted factors contributing to the backlog in oncology services. The entire value chain from diagnosis to treatment requires a coordinated approach, guided by clinical guidelines.
“With limited institutions providing cancer care, the burden on these facilities is inevitable. As the National Health Insurance (NHI) implementation progresses, it is expected that greater cooperation and system improvements will help address some of the current challenges in the healthcare sector.” said the Health and Wellness Portfolio Committee.
