Free State Targets Surgical Backlogs 

The three-day Cataract Marathon, held over the weekend at Boitumelo Regional Hospital in Kroonstad, was a great success, with over 100 patients receiving treatment.

Screening was conducted last week Friday with cataract operations scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

According to a press release from the Free State Department of Health, patient safety was prioritised, and theatre lists were finalised based on vital signs.

"Blood sugar and blood pressure were monitored on the day. If levels were found to be high, patients were scheduled for another appointment to ensure they could still benefit from these life-changing surgeries," stated Bongi Mthimkhulu, the CEO of Boitumelo Regional Hospital.

This initiative follows a pledge by Free State MEC for Health Monyatso Mahlatsi, during his department budget vote, to restore surgical capacity, reopen underutilised theatres, and improve access to specialist care in public hospitals. The province is currently facing a cataract backlog of over 1,000 patients.

The department has also confirmed plans to reopen and strengthen theatres at several facilities across the province, including Thusanong Hospital, Katleho Hospital, Albert Nzula Hospital, Mafube Hospital, Fezi Ngubentombi Hospital, Elizabeth Ross Hospital, National District Hospital, and the neonatal unit at Dihlabeng Regional Hospital.