Durban — The DA has requested the Human Rights Commission to investigate how the surgery backlog impacts the constitutional rights of people in South Africa and denies them quality of life.
This was after the Department of Health presented a report to the parliamentary portfolio committee on Wednesday which stated that there was a backlog of up to seven years for orthopaedic surgeries. These included fractures, knee replacements and hip replacements.
DA shadow deputy health minister Lindy Wilson said the report highlighted the collapse of the health facilities and care in South Africa and the ANC government’s neglect of its citizens.
“The backlog of orthopaedic surgeries, which include fractures, knee replacements and hip replacements, have a backlog of up to seven years. The implications for those requiring these surgeries is huge.
“They are living in unbelievable pain and often cannot function optimally. Many end up having to use walking aids and wheelchairs and some have lost their jobs as a result,” said Wilson.
She said cancer patients requiring mastectomies and other cancer-related surgeries would have to wait between one and two years for life-saving surgeries.
“It is common knowledge that in order to arrest the spread of cancer, biopsies and removal of tumours and masses must be done as quickly as possible. Life expectancy of cancer patients is seriously affected by this appalling state of affairs, and those that could have good lives when treatments are done immediately, will be denied this,” she said.
Wilson said patients needing hysterectomies can wait up to two years, cataract removals up to three years, and the list goes on. Wilson said that Section 27 of the Constitution clearly stated that everyone had the right to have access to healthcare services, including reproductive healthcare, and further stated that no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.
“Millions have been spent on the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill, with failed pilot projects, public hearings and the appointment of staff for the NHI, to the tune of R30 million. This money could have been used to upgrade facilities with staff and infrastructure to avoid this crisis,” said Wilson.
Daily News