Gauteng health department implements reforms to address surgical backlog of over 30,000 patients

The Gauteng Department of Health is introducing comprehensive reforms to reduce surgical waiting times and enhance access to care in public hospitals. Approximately 30,600 patients are currently awaiting surgical procedures, with 29,969 identified 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 constraints, and external disruptions such as water supply challenges in 2025 that led to cancellations. A key initiative is the rollout of the Treatment Time Guarantees Surgical Backlog Platform, or TTG Dashboard, a digital tracking system designed to provide real-time visibility and improve coordination for patient scheduling. The department is also validating and digitizing existing waiting lists, focusing on tertiary and central hospitals. To increase surgical output, hospitals are extending operating hours for high-volume surgical marathons, supported by recruitment of specialized clinicians and improved equipment maintenance. Enhanced coordination within hospital clusters, strengthened referral pathways, and improved booking practices are also being implemented. The department notes that while surgical efficiency has improved, emergency cases are prioritized, leading to delays for elective procedures. Efforts are also underway to strengthen facility resilience by addressing operational risks li