JOHANNESBURG - Almost 35,000 patients are waiting for surgery at Gauteng public hospitals.
That was at the end of January.
Provincial Health MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko was responding to a DA question in the Legislature.
The worst-affected hospitals are Steve Biko, Chris Hani Baragwanath, George Mukhari and Charlotte Maxeke.
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The MEC says power and water cuts have contributed to the backlog.
She also says hospitals continue to prioritise emergency procedures over elective surgeries.
That means procedures like cataract removals often have to take a back seat.
The DA says the backlogs reveal a systemic failure, including staff shortages and budget cuts.