RIGHT OF REPLY: Reducing the surgical and cancer treatment backlogs is an urgent priority

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Gauteng, Healthcare system, Healthcare Workers, Latest

Following an article in Spotlight bemoaning “the lack of urgency” by the Gauteng Department of Health in addressing cancer and surgical backlogs despite having been allocated funds toward this, Dr Stephen Mankupane, Acting Head of Hospital Services in the provincial health department, writes that there is no disputing the fact that there is a need to act with urgency in attending to these backlogs and outlines what the department is doing. Here is his response in full.

RIGHT OF REPLY: Reducing the surgical and cancer treatment backlogs is an urgent priority

Antibiotic-resistant bugs claim over 200 000 infants globally per year, finds major study

Posted in: Child health, Healthcare system, Latest

A landmark global observational study found that many neonates get life-threatening bloodstream infections, or sepsis, and are dying because the antibiotics used to treat them are not effective. Sepsis affects up to 3 million babies a year globally and the study authors estimate that 214 000 newborns die every year from sepsis that has become antibiotic resistant – mainly in low- to middle-income countries. Adele Baleta reports.