MEC fights cancer with billions | Daily Sun

Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko during a media briefing.

NOMANTU Nkomo-Ralehoko, Gauteng Provincial Legislature MEC for Health and Wellness, who is serving her second term, has announced a R64 million budget allocation for the 2024/25 financial year.

The announcement was made during the Gauteng health budget vote on Wednesday, 31 July.

A primary focus for the department is to address the burden of diseases and enhance cancer treatment facilities. From the allocated budget, Nkomo-Ralehoko highlighted that R261 million is earmarked for 2024/25 and R819 million over the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) specifically to reduce the oncology backlog in the medical facilities.

The commitment is particularly significant as the department is currently engaged in a legal battle with the Cancer Alliance, represented by Section27, in the Joburg High Court.

The alliance has criticised the department for not using the R784 million provided by provincial treasury in March 2023, which was intended to outsource radiation oncology services for over 3 000 patients on the waiting list. Unfortunately, delays have led to some patients dying.

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Human rights and social justice activists, including Mark Heywood, have sharply criticised the department for these failures, describing them as not only a denial of fundamental rights but also a source of immense suffering for patients and their families.

In addition to addressing the oncology backlog, budget plans include implementation of an Integrated Health Information System to enable real-time monitoring of health system performance.

According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, the system will use technological innovations to reduce waiting times and enhance security measures, including facial recognition and biometric systems for movement control within health facilities.

“We’re prioritising innovation, equity, and efficiency to build a healthcare system that meets immediate needs and lays a sustainable foundation for future generations,” Nkomo-Ralehoko said.

“We aim to capitalise on digital health opportunities to create a world-class, digitally enabled health system that provides equitable, high-quality, and efficient healthcare services to all Gauteng residents.”

Furthermore, the budget allocates R38,1 million for 2024/25 and R119,7 million over the MTEF for health and wellness campaigns and physical activity programmes in kasis, informal settlements, and hostels.

Strengthening mental healthcare services is also a priority, with R474,6 million allocated for 2024/25 and R1,4 billion over the MTEF for initiatives such as additional mental health acute beds, the appointment of district mental health teams, and filling mental healthcare posts.