Critical shortage of specialists at KwaZulu-Natal hospitals leads to lengthy patient backlogs
KwaZulu-Natal faces a critical shortage of specialist doctors in government hospitals.
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KwaZulu-Natal is currently experiencing extended wait times due to a severe shortage of specialist doctors in the province's government hospitals. There is a backlog of nearly 10,000 patients awaiting treatment.
These alarming statistics emerged from parliamentary questions that detailed the number of specialists and doctors available in various hospitals across the province.
Dr Imran Keeka, the DA spokesperson on health and chairperson of the Health Portfolio Committee, highlighted the critical shortage of specialists and the lengthy waiting periods many patients face.
The areas affected include:
Ophthalmologists: There are 9,406 patients waiting to see an ophthalmologist, but only 18 ophthalmologists are available across nine provincial hospitals. An additional 15 are needed, and while the Department of Health has approved the appointment of 12, currently, nine registrars are in training, with five expected to complete their training by the end of the year and no new registrars to be admitted this year.
Cardiologists: KwaZulu-Natal has only four cardiologists located at Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital (IALCH), Grey's Hospital, and Ngwelezana Hospital, while at least seven are required. Of these, only one is a permanent staff member at IALCH. Although emergency cases are managed, patients face a waiting period of up to six months for appointments, with no new registrars being admitted this year.
Oncologists: The province has 12 oncologists across IALCH, Grey's, Ngwelezana, and Queen Nandi Regional Hospital. The backlog for first-time appointments at each facility ranges from six to ten weeks, with six more oncologists needed.
Urologists: There are six urologists based at Victoria Mxenge, St Aidan’s, Grey's, IALCH, and Ngwelezana hospitals, with approximately 600 patients on the waiting list. Appointment dates can be as far out as three months, and at Grey's, this may extend to a few years, with an additional 13 urologists required.
Orthopaedic Surgeons: KwaZulu-Natal currently has 44 orthopaedic surgeons, while 69 are needed. Only two registrars will complete their training by the end of 2025, and non-emergency patient waiting times are currently two to three weeks.
Ear, Nose, and Throat Specialists (ENTs): The province has 11 ENTs across nine provincial hospitals, but 14 are required. Non-emergency patients wait up to eight weeks for treatment, and only one registrar will complete training at the end of this year.
Neurologists: There are nine permanent neurologists in KwaZulu-Natal, with a three-month waiting period for patients. Only one registrar is expected to exit training at the end of the year.
Radiologists: The province is short of nine radiologists.
Dr Keeka stated, “These figures illustrate the seriousness of the problem. The facilities mentioned are KZN’s apex hospitals, some of the busiest in the country, serving millions of people. The reality is that the sustainability of quality healthcare in KZN is under serious threat.”
He pointed out that the reasons for this crisis are well-documented. “The private sector is more lucrative, and the state can never match the income of private sector specialists. Additionally, poor working conditions and long hours in government hospitals contribute to the issue. Inadequate planning and management by senior departmental officials responsible for ensuring that the Department of Health and its hospitals function optimally also play a role.”
Other significant factors include retirements, resignations, end-of-contract situations, and, most importantly, budgetary constraints, which have hindered the ability to fill posts. A concerning aspect is the annual employment of unemployed level one doctors, which prevents the hiring of specialists.
Keeka emphasised that MEC Nomagugu Simelane has been transparent about the shortages, and the DA acknowledges her efforts to find solutions.
“A specific line item at future KZN Health Portfolio Committee meetings should be established to address this issue. While it will ultimately depend on funding availability, there must be a thorough and meticulous line-by-line budget review to increase the number of registrars in critical areas,” he stated.
IFP member of the Health Portfolio Committee, Ncamisile Nkwanyana, noted that the shortage of specialists severely impacts rural residents. “In rural areas, a patient often has to be transported to see a specialist. For example, a person may need to be transported from KwaHlabisa (northern KZN) to Inkosi Albert Luthuli to see a specialist because there may not be one available in the Hlabisa area.”
Dr Mphikeleli Mthethwa of the MK Party remarked that it is widely recognised that the department is in crisis, adding that the shortage of specialists is a matter of life and death for patients. “Consider the issue of cancer; a patient waits a long time to be tested to find out if they have cancer. They endure long waits just to see an oncologist,” he said.
KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health spokesperson Ntokozo Maphisa said: "The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health holds parliamentary processes in the highest regard and always provides honest and comprehensive information in response to parliamentary questions.
"While we respect the right of Members of Parliament to use this information, we consistently guide against the politicisation of sensitive health issues. Our principle is to engage with MPs through established parliamentary channels, not through the media.Therefore, we will not be adding to the information already provided to the Honourable Member," he concluded.