The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health says it will be appointing a number of specialists across several critical disciplines.
The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health has moved to address delays in the provision of critical health services, including surgeries, with the appointment of key specialist doctors.
The department revealed that it intends to spend R45 million hiring specialist doctors.
Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane recently tabled her department's budget of R60.3 billion - which is approximately R4 billion more than last year. The department has faced criticism for healthcare delays, with allegations that treatment could be postponed for extended periods, resulting in patients remaining in hospitals longer than necessary due to a shortage of specialists.
Simelane said, “The department has prioritised the filling of R45 million worth of funded critical posts to rebuild specialist services at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital. In this regard, we will appoint a number of specialists across several critical disciplines. This includes trauma and burns surgery, transplant surgery, cardio-thoracic surgery, vascular surgery, and neuro-surgery. We will also strengthen neurology, cardiology, nephrology, gastro-enterology, rheumatology, and geriatric medicine. Our investment further includes radiation oncology, nuclear medicine, and haematology, ensuring that more patients receive timely cancer diagnosis and treatment.
