Gauteng Hospitals Launch Massive Surgical Marathon for Mandela Day
Gauteng’s public hospitals are preparing to perform more than 1,000 surgical procedures on Friday (July 18) in the third annual Mandela Day Surgical Marathon, targeting critical operations that will dramatically improve patients’ quality of life.
The ambitious initiative, themed “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity,” will focus on essential surgeries including prostate procedures, cleft palate repairs, cataract operations, and stoma reversals across multiple Gauteng hospitals.
“This reflects the commitment by health professionals to improve the health and quality of life for vulnerable individuals in our communities,” according to the Gauteng Department of Health announcement.
Comprehensive Care Approach
The surgical marathon encompasses a wide range of procedures, from cataract surgeries and colostomy reversals to breast surgeries and general operations including hernia repairs, ENT procedures, orthopedics, gynecology, and arthroplasty.
Public hospitals are collaborating with private partners to ensure the success of this massive undertaking, demonstrating the healthcare sector’s united commitment to addressing surgical backlogs and improving patient outcomes.
New Facilities and Framework Launch
Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko will oversee the day’s activities, conducting walkabouts through operating theaters and wards to monitor implementation and assess care quality.
She will also engage directly with healthcare staff and patients to understand their experiences and needs.
The day will mark significant infrastructure developments, including the reopening of Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital’s refurbished Urology Unit, which will provide advanced prostate biopsies and reduce the need for repeat procedures due to inconclusive results.
Helen Joseph Hospital’s newly upgraded Breast Centre for Excellence will also reopen, offering comprehensive diagnostic, treatment, and surgical services specifically designed for breast cancer patients.
Treatment Time Guarantee Framework
The MEC will conclude the day by launching the Treatment Time Guarantee (TTG) Framework, a groundbreaking initiative that draws from global best practices to ensure equitable access to surgical care.
Under this new system, patients will receive clear timeframes for when their operations will be performed, standardizing treatment times across facilities and providing clarity on waiting times and backlogs.
“This will further provide clarity on what constitutes waiting times and backlogs,” the department stated, emphasizing the framework’s role in institutionalizing time-based clinical accountability.
The surgical marathon represents a significant step toward addressing healthcare inequities in Gauteng, embodying Nelson Mandela’s spirit of service while delivering tangible improvements to patients’ lives through modern medical care and systematic healthcare reform.
