Gauteng Health Department ordered to address cancer treatment backlog affecting thousands
The Cancer Alliance has celebrated a landmark ruling by the Pretoria High Court, which ordered the Gauteng Department of Health to immediately provide radiation oncology services to thousands of patients who have been left waiting for treatment—some for over three years.
The court found that the department had failed to act on a severe treatment backlog affecting more than 3,000 cancer patients, despite receiving R784 million from the Gauteng Treasury in March 2023 specifically to address the crisis.
Salomé Meyer, Director of the Cancer Alliance, hailed the ruling as a milestone in the fight for health justice in South Africa.
“This is a major win for both health and human rights,” Meyer said. “The judgment reinforces the role of civil society in holding government accountable. The court has essentially reminded the Gauteng government—and all provincial administrations—of their constitutional duty, particularly under Section 195, to deliver services in a responsive, accountable and transparent manner.”
The case has brought renewed focus on systemic failures in public healthcare and the need for greater oversight in the implementation of life-saving services. The Cancer Alliance and other advocacy groups have vowed to continue monitoring the government’s compliance with the court’s directives.