Premier Nomusa Dube-Ncube of KwaZulu-Natal has announced a ground-breaking collaboration between the government and the private sector, to make arthroplasty surgery accessible to those who might not ordinarily afford it.
This initiative, a partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Health, BusaMed private hospital group, and Arthroplasty Solutions Trust, aims to reduce the cost of joint replacement surgeries.
Initiated in March 2024, with seed funding from the Industrial Development Zone, the partnership has already facilitated surgeries for about 10 people. It promises to perform joint replacements on at least two patients every week, totalling around 100 surgeries a year, effectively cutting the cost by 44% compared to private sector rates.
“This medical procedure will certainly improve the lives of countless individuals. Whether it’s the hip, knee, shoulder, or other joints, this surgery offers a new lease on life, restoring mobility, reducing pain, and enabling individuals to reclaim their independence and participate actively in the economy,” said Ms Dube-Ncube
She also highlighted the partnership’s role in addressing the backlog of patients awaiting hip or knee replacement surgeries, which currently stands at over two years. Limited theatre time at public hospitals has contributed significantly to this backlog, she noted.
Dr Ter Haar, the lead arthroplasty surgeon, has been praised for offering his services for free.
“We wish to applaud Dr Ter Haar and partners, and Busa Med for its ingenuity and creativity in working with the public sector to ensure that this project comes to fruition. This partnership signifies a ground-breaking development in our collective endeavour to ensure that both the private and public sectors work together to provide quality health services to everyone.”
