JOHANNESBURG: The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has eliminated the cancer backlog at the Histology Laboratory at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH), with the glass slide backlog cleared as early as 1 January 2026, marking a bold step forward in restoring and strengthening this critical pathology service.
The laboratory, which serves a network of 15 hospitals across Johannesburg, has returned to normal operations, ensuring a consistent and reliable flow of diagnostic services across the region. Currently, about 553 specimens are in formalin awaiting processing, an indication of a stable, well-managed workflow and sustained operational recovery.
This turnaround follows a focused and coordinated intervention by the NHLS, drawing on internal expertise across Gauteng laboratories. The NHLS acknowledges the Department of Anatomical Pathology, led by Professor Reubina Wadee, for its dedication and innovative solutions despite ongoing staff shortages.
Prof Elise Schapkaitz, NHLS Executive Manager for Academic Affairs, Research and Quality Assurance, congratulated Prof Wadee and her department on successfully clearing the histopathology backlog at CMJAH. “This achievement reflects the NHLS’s commitment to patient care, improved cancer outcomes, and a strong, stable public healthcare system that serves all South Africans,” she said.
Additional capacity was created through extended overtime by Wits University senior registrars and pathologists, supported by strategic collaboration with private sector laboratories: Ampath and Lancet.
The backlog was largely driven by a shortage of specialised skills in anatomical pathology, exacerbated by staff mobility to the private sector, often linked to salary differentials. The NHLS response has not only addressed the immediate challenge but has also strengthened the system for greater resilience going forward.
Recognising that skills shortages remain a broader national challenge, the NHLS is intensifying efforts to grow and retain expertise in anatomical pathology. This includes expanding registrar training and development initiatives to build a sustainable pipeline of specialists.
In parallel, the NHLS is implementing long-term measures to enhance resilience and performance.
These include targeted investments in workload monitoring systems to ensure caseloads remain within sustainable limits and are appropriately distributed across NHLS laboratories and pathologists; improved turnaround processes; and the adoption of advanced technologies such as digital pathology platforms, digitisation, artificial intelligence-assisted screening, and voice recognition tools to streamline case reporting.
Patients and healthcare providers can be reassured that cancer diagnostic services in Johannesburg are operating efficiently, enabling earlier diagnoses, timely clinical decision-making, and improved patient outcomes.
As the backbone of South Africa’s public health laboratory system, the NHLS remains committed to delivering reliable, high-quality diagnostic services. Ongoing performance monitoring and sustained investment in capacity will ensure consistent and responsive service delivery across all NHLS laboratories.
For more information and media enquiries:
Mr Mzi Gcukumana
Senior Communications Manager
066 376 3171
Mzimasi.gcukumana@nhls.ac.za