DID MOTSOALEDI SKIP QUEUE FOR SURGERY?

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi sets an admirable example by using a state hospital for surgery, but I am concerned that he may have got preferential treatment as waiting times at the Steve Biko Academic Hospital are normally very long.

According to an official reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature in September last year, 1629 patients were waiting for surgery at this hospital because of staff shortages and budget cuts.

Waiting periods are terrible. Cataract and orthopaedic patient wait two years, general surgery is 8 to 12 months and urology patients wait between 8 and 10 months.

The problem with high-level politicians using a state hospital is that they are never treated liked ordinary patients. They also take up a bed that would have been used by someone who cannot afford private care.

I will be asking questions in the Legislature about Motsoaledi's treatment at this over-stressed hospital.

Statement issued by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Health Spokesman, August 14 2013

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