Bleak prospect for kidney patients at government hospitals
The longest waiting list by far is at George Mukhari Hospital
284 patients who suffer from kidney failure are on the waiting list for renal dialysis in Gauteng hospitals.
This information was disclosed by Gauteng Health MEC, Qedani Mahlangu, in a written reply to questions in the Gauteng Legislature by Jack Bloom MPL, DA Gauteng Shadow MEC for Health.
There are 712 patients currently receiving dialysis for chronic kidney failure at seven Gauteng hospitals.
The longest waiting list by far is at George Mukhari Hospital, with 150 patients requiring dialysis, followed by Chris Hani Baragwanath with 59 patients, 28 at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg, 24 at Steve Biko and 20 at Helen Joseph Hospital.
Only three patients wait for dialysis at Sebokeng Hospital, and none at Leratong Hospital.
“It is disturbing that 12 out of 155 dialysis machines are broken. Most seriously, four out of 49 machines at Helen Joseph and three out of 17 machines at George Mukhari Hospital are non-functional. Chris Hani Baragwanath and Charlotte Maxeke hospitals have two broken machines each, and there is one broken machine at Steve Biko Hospital, Bloom said.
According to Mahlangu, the National Guideline for Renal Dialysis is followed, which essentially recommends that all patients fit for kidney transplant qualify for haemodialysis. All those who are not fit for kidney transplant can be put on peritoneal dialysis.
“It is a tragedy that the future is bleak for those on waiting lists, as many will die while they wait for treatment. It is inexcusable that 12 machines are broken as they could save many lives and avoid much suffering. The machines should be repaired as soon as possible and more effort made to get kidneys for transplant so as to shorten the waiting lists,” according to Bloom.
