The Gauteng Department of Health has denied reports that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) revoked licences for radiation therapy machines at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. Image: AI Generated.
Charlotte Maxeke
1Min
South Africa
Gauteng Health denies cancer machine licences revoked at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona says Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital’s four existing radiation therapy machines remain operational, while two newly installed machines are awaiting approval amid concerns about staffing levels.
The Gauteng Department of Health has denied reports that the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) revoked licences for radiation therapy machines at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, clarifying that two additional machines have yet to be approved for clinical use.
The department’s response follows claims by the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng that SAHPRA had revoked licences for two linear accelerator (Linac) machines because of a shortage of suitably qualified staff.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Steve Mabona said the regulatory authority had not revoked any Radiation Oncology licence at the hospital.
He explained that the two new Elekta Harmony Pro linear accelerator machines had not previously been licensed for clinical use, as SAHPRA had raised concerns about the staffing levels required to operate the expanded service.
“The hospital’s four machines remain operational, with radiation therapy services continuing daily as normal,” Mabona said.
He added that the licensing process for the additional machines had not disrupted existing cancer treatment services.
The department said all personnel currently employed in Radiation Oncology were qualified, but additional posts needed to be filled before the service could be expanded.
It is engaging with SAHPRA to address requirements identified during a pre-licensing inspection, including the possible use of existing systems such as remote radiotherapy planning.
Recruitment is also underway to fill two vacant Medical Physics posts.
The department said the new machines would only be used to treat patients once outstanding staffing and licensing requirements had been met and the necessary authorisation granted.
The clarification comes amid concerns about access to specialised cancer treatment in the public healthcare system, where patients from across the country are referred to Gauteng facilities for radiation oncology services.
The department also addressed the status of three additional linear accelerator machines procured for Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital and Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital.
It acknowledged that the equipment had been purchased before the required bunkers, which house the machines, were constructed.
Mabona said plans are underway to establish two new oncology centres, one at each hospital, to strengthen radiation oncology services.
However, a decision has since been taken to relocate the three machines to other provinces, with one earmarked for the North West and two for the Eastern Cape.
The transfer process is at an advanced stage and is being coordinated with assistance from the National Department of Health.
The department said the relocation was intended to increase cancer treatment capacity in the two provinces and ease pressure on Gauteng’s public healthcare facilities, which receive referrals from patients requiring specialised treatment.
The Gauteng Department of Health reiterated its commitment to strengthening specialised healthcare services and improving access to quality cancer treatment.
