Charlotte Maxeke hospital cancer treatment continues, says Gauteng health department
The department said it was recruiting for two vacant medical physics posts and talking to the regulator.
The Gauteng Department of Health confirmed on Thursday that radiation therapy services at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital continue for cancer patients, despite concerns over licensing and staffing issues. The hospital's four machines are still in operation and providing daily radiation therapy services. The department clarified that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) has not revoked any Radiation Oncology licenses at the hospital.
However, SAHPRA raised concerns about staffing for the newly expanded service. The department acknowledged that the licensing for the two new Elekta Harmony Pro machines was not yet approved for clinical use. It confirmed that all current Radiation Oncology personnel are qualified. The department stated that the two new machines will be used for clinical treatment once staffing and licensing requirements are addressed and approved by the regulator.
The Democratic Alliance (DA) accused the department of putting cancer patients at risk, citing unnamed sources that SAHPRA had revoked licenses for two machines due to a shortage of qualified staff. DA Gauteng health spokesperson Madeleine Hicklin emphasized the devastating impact on cancer patients who rely on the hospital for life-saving radiation treatment. She urged Health MEC Faith Mazibuko to address the DA's concerns.
Hicklin also pointed out that two machines previously bought for Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital remain unutilized due to the absence of bunkers. The Gauteng Department acknowledged purchasing three machines for Dr George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals before the bunkers were constructed. They plan to relocate the machines to North West and the Eastern Cape, with one machine going to North West and two to the Eastern Cape.
The department is also pursuing the construction of two new oncology centers at Dr George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath hospitals to enhance radiation oncology services.
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