JOHANNESBURG - There are 34,528 patients waiting for surgery in Gauteng's public hospitals.
These are figures for 17 out of 37 hospitals in the province and this number could be even higher.
Authorities say these numbers are the result of a high number of patients seeking help in the province and the burden of trauma that takes preference over elective procedures.
Load-shedding and water shortages are also contributing factors to cancellations and postponements.