Gauteng health department addresses surgical backlog of over 30,000 patients

The Gauteng Department of Health is implementing comprehensive reforms to reduce surgical waiting lists and enhance access to care in public hospitals. Currently, approximately 30,600 patients are awaiting surgical procedures, with about 29,969 classified as legacy backlog cases and 631 as current cases. The department attributes this backlog to sustained system pressures, including increased referrals to tertiary and central hospitals, infrastructure and equipment limitations, workforce shortages, and external disruptions like water supply challenges in 2025 that led to surgical cancellations. To tackle this, the department is rolling out the Treatment Time Guarantees Surgical Backlog Platform TTG Dashboard, a digital tracking system for real-time visibility and improved coordination. They are also digitizing existing waiting lists for accurate planning. Operational measures include extending operating hours for high-volume surgical marathons, recruiting specialized clinicians, improving resource allocation, and enhancing equipment maintenance. The department emphasizes that the backlog, while significant, also reflects improved surgical efficiency where emergency cases are prioritized, leading to delays for elective procedures. Efforts are also underway to strengthen hospital resilience against future disruptions by addressing operational risks and ensuring continuity measures. These interventions are part of a long-term strategy to create a more responsive, efficient, and