By Kopano Dibakwane
The backlog of patients awaiting operations will be a thing of the past. This follows a successful launch of the Orthopaedic Marathon Project that was held at Themba Regional hospital located in Kabokweni, about 28,7km outside of Mbombela.
The current number of patients awaiting surgery in the province is reportedly 431 and this is attributed to the shortage of Orthopaedic doctors.
MEC for health in Mpumalanga, Sasekani Manzini, said during a media briefing that her department is committed to clear the backlog at Themba hospital, Mapulaneng hospital and Rob Ferreira Tertiary hospital by 26 May 2023. The second round of the Orthopaedic Marathon will reportedly cover Ermelo hospital and Witbank Tertiary hospital with clearance expected to be completed on 31 May 2023.
