16 000 Patients wait for cataract ops in Gauteng

15 October 2020

The number of patients waiting for cataract surgery in Gauteng has increased dramatically to 15 957 as 8527 cataract operations were cancelled since the COVID-19 lockdown on 26 March this year.

This is revealed by Acting Gauteng Health MEC Jacob Mamabolo in a written reply to my questions in the Gauteng Legislature.

According to Mamabolo, the waiting time for cataract surgery varies from two weeks to 16 months depending on the facility.

The highest number is at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital with 3028 cataract patients waiting for surgery, followed by Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital with 2350, and Sebokeng Hospital with 1900 cataract patients.

Waiting lists for cataract surgery at other hospitals are as follows:

George Mukhari - 1608

Leratong - 1100

Lenasia South - 1000

Kalafong - 980

Helen Joseph - 980

Steve Biko - 900

ThelleMogoerane - 800

Tembisa - 576

Pretoria West - 238

Tambo Memorial - 237

Mamabolo says that catch-up surgeries are planned, including marathons using extended theatre time after hours and over weekends.

I welcome special measures to cut the backlogs for cancelled surgery.

A good start is being made with cataract surgery where the numbers are highest, but there are many other operations that had high backlogs even before the lockdown.

The fastest way to cut the backlogs would be for the Gauteng Health Department to pay private hospitals to treat public patients, which should be seriously considered.

Issued by Jack Bloom,DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health, 15 October 2020