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Over seven hundred elective surgical marathons were conducted on patients who have been on the waiting list in celebration of Nelson Mandela Day on Tuesday.
Mandela Day which marked ten years since the death of Madiba is commemorated annually on July 18, and calls for people to devote 67 minutes of their time to positively impact communities and lives of people.
This was part of a campaign to tackle backlog of eighteen thousand patients who have been awaiting surgical procedures.
Hundreds of patients, who had been awaiting to undergo surgical procedures ranging from plastic surgery, neurosurgery, urology, orthopaedics, hernia repair, prostate biopsy, colostomy closures and many others, had their dignity restored as they were operated on.
Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said she was humbled and privileged to have witnessed the outstanding team effort demonstrated by each member of the healthcare community, including the invaluable support staff.
“As we celebrate this remarkable success, let us also renew our commitment to continue the good work that has earned us admiration and respect.
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“There are still lives to touch ad countless challenges to overcome, but with the unwavering support and dedication exhibited by each one of you, I am confident that we will continue to make a significant difference in the lives of those we serve.
“It is a job well done to the whole team. We set ourselves a target and we have been able to surpass that target. This milestone is a clear demonstration of the capacity we have within the Gauteng healthcare system.
“This demonstrates what can be achieved when we partners with multiple stakeholders to tackle issues confronting the healthcare system. The challenges we have set for the team now is replicating this success regularly through a series of marathons until we have eliminated the backlog,” MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko stated.
