Setback: Gauteng radiation backlog order overturned

THE Cancer Alliance and SECTION27 have expressed deep disappointment after the Johannesburg High Court set aside an order that would have forced the Gauteng Department of Health to urgently address the province's deadly backlog in radiation oncology services.

- MASABATA MKWANANZI

The ruling, delivered on Monday, overturns Judge Dippenaar’s August judgment, which had compelled the department to immediately update the oncology backlog list, provide radiation services to patients, and report to the court on progress, despite the pending appeal in the Supreme Court of Appeal (SCA).

SECTION27 spokesperson Pearl Nicodemus said the ruling is a major setback for cancer patients who have already waited months or years for essential treatment.