KZN Health reducing cancer treatment backlog: MEC
KwaZulu-Natal Health says it has made significant progress in reducing the six-month backlog for cancer patients awaiting treatment.
The MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo says the recruitment of a dozen radiologists, improved oncology services and the introduction of seven cancer treatment machines have helped turn the situation around.
A report by the South African Human Rights Commission found that the department had violated the rights of cancer patients at Durban's Inkosi Albert Luthuli and Addington hospitals.
Dhlomo says they have managed to reduce the waiting time for life-saving treatment to several weeks now.
"The waiting times have been reduced to three to four weeks. We do not have any waiting times for children. We have booked 206 patients who are going to be seen for radiation therapy between now and December at Addington Hospital.
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Dhlomo says Inkosi Albert Luthuli Hospital has booked 153 patients while Grey's Hospital has booked 198.