The Democratic Alliance (DA) has accused the Gauteng Department of Health of failing patients at Tambo Memorial Hospital in Boksburg due to delayed elective surgeries.

The DA claims that the department misled patients by stating surgeries would only resume in June 2027, despite assurances of completing maintenance work on the hospital’s operating theatres by October 2026.

Health spokesperson Madeleine Hicklin highlighted that patients, including one awaiting a hip replacement, are suffering chronic pain and desperation.The DA alleges contradictions in the MEC’s responses, which claim surgical services were unaffected while maintenance delayed procedures.The department denies failing patients, stating maintenance on air-handling units was necessary to meet infection standards.They clarified that Theatre 1 and 2 are operational, Theatre 3 will reopen soon, and elective surgeries are ongoing at other facilities.The DA plans to escalate the issue to the Gauteng legislature, demanding referrals to alternative hospitals.

The health department insists surgeries continue daily, with patients referred to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital for orthopaedic procedures.