The Cancer Alliance of South Africa has welcomed a recent High Court ruling in Pretoria, ordering the provincial health department to provide radiation oncology services to over 3,000 patients who have been waiting for more than three years.
Despite a R784 million allocation by Gauteng Treasury in March 2023 to address the backlog, the department allegedly neglected these patients.
A Step towards Accountability
Director of the Cancer Alliance, Salomé Meyer, hailed the ruling as a significant victory for health rights and human rights in South Africa. “It is indeed a major win for health rights, as well as human rights in South Africa that we actually receive this ruling,” Meyer said. She emphasized the importance of civil society holding the government accountable, noting that the judge referenced Section 195 of the Constitution, which outlines the basic values and principles governing public administration.
Gauteng Health Department’s Budget Woes
This ruling comes amid concerns over the Gauteng Health department’s inability to spend its budget adequately. In the 2021/22 financial year, the department failed to spend R2.6 billion of its budget, while more recent reports indicate underspending of over R1.1 billion in the 2023/24 budget. This has critical implications, particularly for cancer patients in need of urgent care.
Meyer’s Call to Action
Meyer stressed the importance of the Gauteng government, and all provincial administrations, taking heed of the judge’s ruling. She believes this decision will help ensure that the government prioritizes the health needs of its citizens, particularly those awaiting critical cancer treatment.
The Cancer Alliance’s victory marks a crucial step towards upholding health rights in South Africa, and it remains to be seen how the Gauteng Health department will respond to the court’s ruling.
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