Health department dismisses leaked report
"There seems to be a relentless campaign, to ignore the progress."
WHILE a leaked report about the state of oncology services in KwaZulu-Natal estimates that as many as 6000 to 8000 state patients are unable to access treatment, the provincial Health Department says those numbers are misleading.
“The Department notes with concern an ongoing campaign to discredit its numerous efforts which have in fact resulted in a significant reduction in waiting times and a smaller backlog for patients who need treatment for advanced cancer (oncology) treatment. We have also noted that there seems to be a deliberate and relentless campaign by certain members of the media to ignore the tremendous progress that has been made to expand cancer treatment and oncology services,” said a statement from the Health Department.
The leaked report is a follow-up to the National Cancer Strategic Framework and National audit in 2017 compiled by facility managers and reveals statistics as at end December 2017 and highlights non-functional equipment and inadequate staffing at cancer treatment centres. The Investment Case Report also outlines the demand for radiation oncology services, current supply constraints, the cost burden and compromise on care as a result of delayed treatment, the gaps in human resource and equipment capabilities and recommendations for financing.
ALSO READ: New cancer report reveals shocking stats
The Department also poured cold water over current affairs programme Carte Blanche’s Sunday show, which they claim used outdated and inaccurate information from the Department’s appearance before the South African Human Rights Commission on the same subject matter. “It is also of great concern to the Department that old footage is used to portray the wrong impression and show total disregard for the current state of affairs,” the statement read.
According to the Department, between 6 August to 3 December 2018, there are 205 patients booked into the radiotherapy clinic at Addington Hospital, at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALH) the number is 153, while at Grey’s Hospital the number is 198. The waiting period to see an oncologist for the first time ranges from three to four weeks to eight weeks, depending on the type of required service, while the total number of new patients that are booked is 1036. There are no waiting times for children who need to see an oncologist.
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