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The Eastern Cape Health Department has launched an ambitious initiative to tackle the backlog in orthopaedic surgeries in the province.
Spokesperson Mkhululi Ndamase said the orthopaedic ‘marathon’ will see a team of about 15 nurses, four surgeons, three anaesthetists and two radiographers per day being in theatre on the weekend of the third and fourth of June.
He said at least 22 patients, some from other district hospitals, will be operated on at the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane.
Ndamase said the marathon would go a long way in addressing the backlog as people in need of elective orthopaedic surgery can sometimes wait up to a month or two before being operated on.
He explained this is because emergencies are prioritised.
Orthopaedic surgeries can also be costly, with those in need of it forking out tens of thousands of rands at private facilities.
Femur surgeries can cost up to R90,000 whilst a forearm surgery costs around R50,000, this makes the procedures unaffordable for scores of people in desperate need of the surgery, the department said in a statement.
Patients with the following injuries are the primary focus of the weekend’s drive:
MEC for Health Nomakhosazana Meth said the marathon was part of the department’s efforts of improving services.
“Every effort is being made to ensure that our people get the services they need. Through this orthopaedics marathon, we will improve the quality of life of these 22 people.
“Despite budgetary constraints, the department remains resolute to deliver improved services to the millions of people who rely on the public sector for their health and care needs. Those who will be operated on this weekend are in good hands as we have some of the best healthcare professionals in the public sector.
“More people in need of orthopaedic surgery will continue being serviced at our facilities, but the waiting period sometimes becomes longer because accidents, as they are a life and death situation, are prioritised,” she said,.
