The Cancer Alliance has hailed the recent ruling by the High Court in Pretoria ordering the provincial health department to make radiation oncology services available to patients on a waiting list as a win for health rights.

The case centres on the department’s alleged neglect of over 3 000 patients who have been waiting for services for more than 3 years, despite an allocation of R784 million by Gauteng Treasury in March 2023 to urgently address the backlog.

Director of the Cancer Alliance Salomé Meyer says, “It is indeed a major win for health rights, as well as human rights in South Africa that we actually receive this ruling, and it is quite important that Gauteng government in particular, but in fact all provincial administrations – actually read what the judge has said. Also indicating that it is indeed the role of civil society to hold the government accountable. He, in fact, sent the Gauteng government back to Section 195 of the Constitution.”

Gauteng Health fails to spend budget adequately: Salome Meyer