The Democratic Alliance is alarmed that 3563 patients in Gauteng public hospitals are waiting for MRI scans, which are critical for diagnosing and treating tumours, injuries, and infections.
Worst affected is Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital, where 2347 patients wait 12 months for a MRI scan. This huge backlog arose because the sole MRI machine broke down seven times last year, and it was only replaced on 31 March this year.
Other waiting lists are as follows:
George Mukhari Hospital – 450 patients
Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital – 230 patients
Steve Biko Hospital – 200 patients
Helen Joseph Hospital – 160 patients
There are only 8 MRI machines which operate in 7 Gauteng public hospitals serving about 12.5 million people without private medical aid. This is grossly inadequate as comparable middle-income economies have between 3 (Mexico) and 14 (Brazil) MRIs per million, which suggests a minimum of 38 MRIs in Gauteng’s public health sector.
Large regional hospitals like Leratong, Far East Rand, Sebokeng, Thelle Moegerane, Mamelodi, Tambo Memorial, and Edenvale should all have MRI machines. There is much delay because they refer their patients for MRI scans at other hospitals overburdened by their own patients.
The new machines recently installed at the George Mukhari and Chris Hani Baragwanath replace broken ones, and the MRI machine planned for Tembisa Hospital has been stalled by the fire incident.
Patients suffer because diagnostic delays prolong suffering and hinder recovery.
The DA in Gauteng proposes a partnership with private hospitals to access their excess MRI capacity to assist public patients. We would also place a high priority on maintenance of existing MRIs and purchase of new MRIs for regional hospitals.