Johannesburg – Thousands of patients in Gauteng are facing extremely long waiting periods for critical surgical procedures, with some waiting up to 10 years for hip replacement operations in public hospitals.
This was revealed by Jack Bloom, following a written response from Gauteng Health MEC Faith Mazibuko in the provincial legislature.
Over 26,000 Patients on Surgical Waiting Lists
According to the data, a staggering 26,295 patients are currently on surgical waiting lists across Gauteng’s public healthcare system, highlighting mounting pressure on already strained facilities.
The longest delays are being experienced at major hospitals, including:
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
- Helen Joseph Hospital
- Tembisa Hospital
- Kalafong Hospital
- Sebokeng Hospital
Patients requiring hip replacement surgery at these facilities reportedly face waiting periods ranging from three to ten years.
Smaller Hospitals Offer Slight Relief
In contrast, smaller facilities such as:
- Mamelodi Hospital
- Edenvale Hospital
- Leratong Hospital
- Far East Rand Hospital
reportedly have shorter waiting times, while Steve Biko Academic Hospital also performs better in managing surgical queues.
Patients Left in Limbo
In one alarming case, a patient at Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital was informed that her knee surgery would only take place in July 2032 — nearly a decade-long wait.
While procedures like cataract surgery are generally quicker, waiting times still vary significantly, with smaller hospitals often providing faster access than major institutions.
Systemic Challenges Behind the Backlog
The Gauteng Department of Health has attributed the growing backlog to multiple factors, including:
- Shortages of medical staff and essential equipment
- Lack of consumables
- Increased referrals to tertiary hospitals
- Linen shortages
- Frequent breakdowns of critical infrastructure such as theatre chillers, affecting operating conditions
Officials have also acknowledged that the actual backlog may be underreported, as many patients are still waiting to be assessed by specialists before being placed on official lists. Incomplete digital systems further complicate accurate tracking.
“A Health System in Crisis”
Bloom has described the situation as a deepening healthcare crisis, warning that prolonged delays not only cause unnecessary suffering but also worsen medical conditions and increase long-term healthcare costs.
Although the department has introduced measures such as weekend surgical marathons and efforts to recruit more clinicians, critics argue these interventions have failed to significantly reduce the backlog.
Calls for Urgent Intervention
The Democratic Alliance has called for urgent reforms, including better resource allocation, improved hospital management, and proper maintenance of surgical facilities to prevent cancellations and inefficiencies.
As pressure mounts, the growing surgical backlog raises serious concerns about the sustainability and effectiveness of Gauteng’s public healthcare system.
