Gauteng's Surgical Marathon Celebrates Remarkable Success
In an inspiring showcase of collaboration and commitment to healthcare, Gauteng’s third edition of the Mandela Day “Surgical Marathons” achieved a remarkable milestone on Saturday, July 19, 2025. The initiative brought together 29 state hospitals and private healthcare partners, culminating in an impressive 806 surgical procedures performed in just 12 hours. This year’s operations represented a notable increase of 64 procedures compared to the previous year, marking a progressive trend in the province’s healthcare service delivery.
The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) highlighted that the surgical focus this year included essential specialties such as cleft palate repairs, cataract surgeries, colostomy reversals, and prostate procedures. This strategic emphasis on vital surgical interventions showcases the department’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges faced by communities.
MEC for Health and Wellness Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko expressed pride in the collective efforts of healthcare professionals, university students, and organizations like the Smile Foundation and Dr. SK Matseke Hospital, stating, “Since the launch of the surgical marathons three years ago, we have consistently surpassed our objectives each year, aiming for a substantial impact.” This sentiment reflects a shared dedication to improving health outcomes across Gauteng.
A significant part of this progress lies in the GDoH’s innovative introduction of Treatment Time Guarantees (TTGs). This pioneering approach establishes maximum waiting times for various surgical procedures based on urgency and clinical necessity, promoting greater transparency and accountability in public health. MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko described the initiative as a “significant leap towards overhauling surgical care,” emphasizing that “patients receive the surgeries they need without unnecessary delays.”
In addition to the surgical marathons, the newly renovated Urology Unit at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital has reopened, offering advanced and more precise prostate biopsies without the need for surgical theatres. The Breast Centre of Excellence at Helen Joseph Hospital has also resumed operations, with cutting-edge imaging and testing capabilities poised to enhance early detection and diagnosis of breast cancer.
The Gauteng Department of Health envisions a future where patient care continues to be prioritized, highlighting, “This facility will expand treatment alternatives and foster a dignified, supportive atmosphere for care, instilling hope in patients and families during their most vulnerable times.”
This extraordinary event not only demonstrates the power of collaboration in healthcare but also reinforces Gauteng’s commitment to modernizing its medical services. As they set new standards for surgical care, the hope is that these successes will inspire other regions to adopt similar innovative healthcare practices.
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