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A healthcare worker with a medicine vial
The backlog in pathology services has reached a breaking point at Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital in Johannesburg, where critical cancer diagnoses are being delayed.
More than 1 540 specimens await processing while around 12 756 processed cases await analysis.
These results are essential in assisting and guiding healthcare professionals to make informed decisions while treating cancer patients.
Gauteng Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko says they are working on addressing the issue.
“Pathology results are critical indeed to the diagnosis and treatment of cancer patients.
Our healthcare specialists continue to deliver necessary interventions and support, ensuring that all patients receive care, including radiation oncology treatment.
As a department, we are also actively looking into the possibility of establishing our own laboratory to fast track the processing of pathology specimens. We are working hand in hand with NHLS and other stakeholders to find sustainable solutions.”
“We continue to deploy prevention strategies like the new mammogram units at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital, Helen Joseph Hospital and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital to improve diagnosis and detection of breast cancer,” said MEC @NkomoNomantu during her… pic.twitter.com/llFSQMofWw
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) August 26, 2025
