The Gauteng Health Department is today conducting over 1000 Surgical Marathons, in line with the 2025 Mandela Day.
This is the third edition of the surgeries, and the department said it is done in line with the 2025 Mandela Day theme, “It’s still in our hands to combat poverty and inequity.”
The department said this year’s edition, which is done in partnership with the private sector, is on critical surgeries such as prostate, cleft palate, cataract and stoma operations, which are vital for improving overall quality of life for affected individuals.
This also includes cataract surgeries, colostomy reversals, cleft palate repairs, urology procedures, breast surgeries, and general surgeries encompassing hernia repairs, ENT, orthopaedics, gynaecology, arthroplasty and other specialties.
According to MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, the marathon reflects the commitment by health professionals to improve the health and quality of life for vulnerable individuals in our communities.
“We continue to transform lives, through life changing surgical procedures. Building on the belief that it is in our hands. Our healthcare professionals have committed their hands to restore dignity to many patients in the province. This is done as we leverage on the Mandela Day theme, which encourages us to combat poverty and equity,” said Nkomo-Ralehoko.
The MEC is also expected to conduct a walkabout and oversight visit to theatres and wards to ensure the effective implementation of the Surgical Marathon.
She will also assess the quality of care being provided and engage with healthcare staff and patients about their experiences and needs during this critical initiative.
