DEAR Editor,-
A report on the Investment Case for Radiation Oncology in SA recently presented to the National Health Council has revealed that KZN has the biggest backlog of cancer patients awaiting treatment in the entire country.
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The report (a follow-up to the National Cancer Strategic Framework and National audit in 2017 compiled by facility managers) shows statistics as at end December 2017, highlighting non-functional equipment and inadequate staffing at cancer treatment centres.
The report also outlines the demand for radiation oncology services, current supply constraints, cost burdens and compromise on care because of delayed treatment, gaps in human resource and equipment capabilities and recommendations for financing.
In KZN, the backlog numbers are horrific – almost 8 000 cancer patients waiting for treatment at three leading oncology hospitals. By far the worst is Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH) where there is a backlog of 6 012, followed by 1 932 at Addington and 132 at Greys.
The prolonged waiting times for radiation oncology in KZN currently exceeds the recommended waiting times of 6 to 8 weeks, including IALCH with a 24 to 26 week wait for radical treatment and 8 to 12 weeks for gynaecology and prostate related cancer treatment.
At the Human Rights Commission hearing, the figure given under oath by KZN Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo and his department was up to 12 months – even worse. Grey’s Hospital has a one to 36 week waiting period for MTD or new patients, 28 weeks for gynaecology related cancers and 36 weeks for prostate cancer.
It is not understood why Addington Hospital did not report on backlogs, unless it was added into IALCH.
The DA is deeply disturbed by this. Acting on our complaint last year, the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) found MEC Dhlomo guilty of violating KZN’s cancer patients’ rights to adequate treatment. Despite numerous recommendations by the SAHRC and ongoing reassurances by both the MEC and his department that the situation has improved, very little has changed.
The same report also shows the average number of new radiation oncology patients during the 2013/14 – 2016/2017 period at each hospital: IALCH 1 517; Addington 594 and Greys 1 169.
There are only two full-time oncologists in eThekwini and Grey’s is left with three oncologists following the resignation of one. Others are on temporary contracts following a SAHRC recommendation to enter into Public Private Partnerships (PPPs). The DA feels these temporary contracts do not satisfy this SAHRC directive.
These statistics tell us that, under current circumstances, MEC Dhlomo’s department provides no hope of addressing the lack of treatment and resulting suffering. And ongoing publicity stunts aimed at bolstering the department’s image when it comes to this human rights atrocity are no more than lies.
A recent DA and National Health Portfolio Committee (NHPC) visit to Addington found that only one of two oncology LINAC machines was in use because there is not enough staff to operate the second. Another indictment against the department.
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In stark contrast, the DA-led Western Cape Department of Health (WCH) has 16 oncologists in two facilities, all equipment works and waiting times are within acceptable norms. Surgical departments also have working equipment, with almost no treatment backlogs. The department has 17 oncology registrars in training and recently trained a KZN oncologists after the province lost accreditation to train specialists.
The DA’s ‘Our Health Plan’ (OHP) outlines a properly-funded healthcare solution for SA, deliverable within five to seven years and is achievable within the current fiscal framework. There will be no need to increase VAT or levy the population into further poverty as possibly envisaged with rolling out the ANC’s ill-fated National Health Insurance. The OHP has mechanisms in place to improve medical education and alleviate the shortage of personnel required for a functional healthcare system.
It’s clear that urgent intervention is required to turn the situation around in KZN, yet Premier Willies Mchunu sits on his hands. He can no longer say there is a high level intervention team in place to turn KZN’s Health Department around after the Auditor-General’s recent comment to the NHPC that this intervention team isn’t yielding desired outcomes.
To add to the problem, the recent hostage situation within the department halted the team’s work.
The AG’s office told the committee that while the department’s leadership continually commits to improving matters, promises never come to fruition.
Why the premier has not yet fired MEC Dhlomo, when there has been so much suffering and death on his watch, is unfathomable. Is it not enough that more than 500 people have died as a result of the province’s oncology crisis? How many more deaths is he waiting for before he finally takes action? The DA expects him to do the right thing and fire this MEC.
The people of KZN have the choice at the ballot box next year. Either keep what has proved to be a merciless, uncaring government in office, or fire them. Corruption, maladministration and lack of leadership can no longer be tolerated.
DR IMRAN KEEKA MPL
DA KZN Spokesman on Health
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