A private hospital in Bloemfontein has partnered with the Free State Department of Health to address the backlog of more than 4 000 cases, including cataract removal and urology procedures, reports SABC News.
Through the initiative, EmoyaMed Bloemfontein has already conducted six high-cost surgeries as part of its Mandela Month contribution: another 10 patients who needed cataract removal and urology-related surgeries were also identified.
Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi said they had approached EmoyaMed, as well as other private facilities in the province, for help because of the huge backlog, staff shortage and infrastructure limitations linked to government theatres – and were delighted with their willingness to help.
Mahlatsi added that the department had a long-term plan to clear the waiting list.
EmoyaMed said it will be carrying all of the costs of the surgeries. Dr Vivian Simmons, who specialises in gastroenterology, said he was hopeful that such initiatives would be extended to other hospitals, and be done on a yearly basis.
The hospital plans to do a cost analysis of all the procedures and decide on the viability of conducting more surgeries post-Mandela Month.
SABC article – Private Bloemfontein hospital, FS Health Dept address surgery backlog (Open access)
See more from MedicalBrief archives:
Free State team performs robotic surgery marathon
Backlog of nearly 200 000 elective surgeries at public hospitals
Free State hospitals: patient waits 7 months for surgery, others sleep in chairs