Johannesburg — The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) acknowledges the concerns raised regarding delays in Anatomical Pathology services and wishes to provide clarity on the situation as well as the steps being taken to address it.
Recent media reports have suggested that a backlog of 12,000 biopsy specimens exists at the NHLS Johannesburg laboratory. There is a current backlog of 1,540 specimens in formalin, awaiting further processing, while there are 12,756 cases that have already been processed and are awaiting reporting by pathologists and registrars. The NHLS is actively managing the situation and has implemented measures to enhance service delivery and restore stability.
The significant shortage of anatomical pathologists in South Africa is the main cause of the backlog. There are now only four pathologists at the Johannesburg facility, down from the department’s previous 21. Specimens are sent to this laboratory from 18 hospitals and clinics. The challenge has been worsened by the private sector’s ability to offer higher salaries, making staff retention a persistent concern.
To address this, the NHLS is strengthening staff retention strategies across its service platform while introducing innovation through digital pathology. In addition, a pilot project involving Medical Officers is being rolled out to improve workflow, accelerate diagnostic processes, and alleviate the pressure on the limited number of pathologists currently in service.
Another contributor has been the high volumes of placental specimens referred for histological examination, adding strain to already limited resources. In response, the NHLS is engaging the National Department of Health to finalise a national policy on placental histology. This policy will streamline referrals and ensure more efficient management of specimen volumes.
While the private sector can absorb a certain number of referrals, its resources are also limited. To mitigate this, the NHLS has reached out to private sector partners to explore opportunities for collaboration as part of a broader strategy to stabilise services.
The NHLS remains committed to working with the Department of Health, private laboratories, and other partners to ensure sustainable solutions. Above all, the NHLS’ priority is that cancer patients and all who rely on its diagnostic services receive their results within the required turnaround times.
ENDS
For more information and media enquiries, please contact:
Mzi Gcukumana
Senior Communications Manager
Tel: 011 386 6008 | Cell: 066 376 3171
mzimasi.gcukumana@nhls.ac.za