Gauteng, South Africa’s most populous province and economic powerhouse, is facing a growing healthcare crisis as more than 34,000 patients remain on waiting lists for surgery in its public hospitals. This alarming figure was revealed in a written response by Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko to questions posed by the DA’s Shadow Health MEC, Jack Bloom.
While efforts have been made to reduce waiting times, the province’s healthcare system continues to buckle under the pressure of an ever-increasing patient load, resource constraints, and systemic challenges.
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The Extent of the Backlog
According to the MEC, the data reflects the surgical backlog as of the end of January 2025. The most affected hospitals include:
- Steve Biko Academic Hospital – 6,764 patients
- Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – 6,232 patients
- George Mukhari Hospital – 5,354 patients
- Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital – 3,315 patients
These four hospitals alone account for over 60% of the total backlog.
The largest category of delayed surgeries is cataract removal, with more than 9,000 patients waiting-some for as long as two years. While the MEC noted that waiting times have “dropped drastically,” the high turnover of patients and trauma cases that take precedence over elective surgeries means that many South Africans continue to suffer in pain and uncertainty.
Underlying Causes
Jack Bloom, who has long advocated for healthcare reform in Gauteng, believes that the real backlog might be closer to 40,000 patients when taking into account all 37 public hospitals in the province. He attributes this to budget cuts, staff shortages, and infrastructure issues, including the impacts of load shedding and water outages, which often lead to surgery cancellations and postponements.
Bloom noted, “It is appalling that so many patients suffer pain and anxiety waiting for surgery, often for years rather than months.”
The MEC herself acknowledged that power outages and water shortages disrupt surgical operations. This exacerbates an already fragile system, reversing prior gains made in reducing surgical waitlists. For example, in May 2024, it was reported that the backlog had been reduced to 24,000 patients, but it has now climbed back up by over 10,000.
Other Affected Hospitals
The crisis is not isolated to the four major academic hospitals. Several regional hospitals are also struggling to manage their surgical caseloads:
- Sebokeng Hospital – 2,870 patients
- Helen Joseph Hospital – 2,623 patients
- Mamelodi Hospital – 2,016 patients
- Kalafong Hospital – 1,861 patients
- Tembisa Hospital – 1,404 patients
- Leratong Hospital – 762 patients
- Thelle Mogoerane Hospital – 502 patients
These figures reflect a widespread issue affecting all corners of the province, regardless of a hospital’s size or location.
The Human Impact
Behind every number is a human being facing pain, disability, and emotional distress. Delayed surgeries not only affect the physical well-being of patients but also their ability to work, care for their families, and live dignified lives.
Cataract patients, for instance, experience avoidable vision loss that can be debilitating. Orthopaedic patients may suffer from chronic pain and limited mobility. These are not merely statistics-they are real people whose quality of life is being severely impacted by delays.
What Needs to Change?
This backlog is a clear indicator that Gauteng’s healthcare system needs urgent intervention. Some key steps that could alleviate the crisis include:
- Increased funding for surgical programs and staff hiring
- Improved infrastructure to resist disruptions from load shedding and water shortages
- Public-private partnerships to outsource or share the surgical burden
- Digital management systems to prioritise cases effectively and avoid bottlenecks
While the province continues to face economic challenges, healthcare should remain a top priority. The right to timely and adequate medical care is enshrined in South Africa’s Constitution, and the current state of surgical backlogs undermines that right for thousands.
With over 34,000 patients still waiting for surgery in Gauteng’s public hospitals, the province stands at a crossroads. Without swift and decisive action, the backlog will continue to grow, worsening the suffering of countless residents. It’s not just a matter of numbers-it’s a matter of lives.
Now more than ever, the provincial government must prioritise healthcare delivery to restore hope and dignity to the many South Africans depending on the public system.
