R100-million allocated towards KZN, Gauteng oncology crisis
The oncology sectors in KwaZulu-Natal and Gauteng are getting a much-needed cash injection - to the combined value of R100-million.
Both provinces are dealing with a shortage of oncologists and cancer machines in need of repairing.
"We will also help KZN and Gauteng with the alleviation of oncology backlogs, which has been in the news. This programme to deal with cancer in the province will be launched early August," Health Minister, Aaron Motsoaledi said.
Speaking at a media briefing in Tshwane yesterday, Motsoaledi's denied suggestions that the country's public healthcare system is on the brink of collapse.
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He has acknowledged though that it is under immense strain.
"If you go back to 2004, South Africa had 400,000 people on ARVs. Today there are 4.2-million. All 4-million are treated in the public sector. This was not met by a concomitant increase in the number of staff and the number of facilities and equipment," Motsoaledi said.