DA: Cervical cancer tests delay in Gauteng worrying
The Democratic Alliance on Sunday expressed concern at the reported delay in cervical cancer tests for women in Gauteng because of a backlog caused by problems at the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS).
“The backlog dates back to February this year, and there are only 34 specialists at the NHLS to analyse the tests,” DA MPL Jack Bloom said in a statement.
According to the Gauteng health department, there was a one-and-a-half month delay in testing samples, but some patients reported a far longer waiting time, he said.
Test delays could lead to death for many women, as early diagnosis was important in treating cervical cancer. It was inexcusable that the department had taken no steps to speed up test results.
“Private laboratories should be contracted urgently to help bring down the test backlogs,” Bloom said