Patients at the Helen Joseph Hospital, west Johannesburg, are suffering because of an MRI machine that has been broken since the beginning of the year.
Cancer patients are worst affected as it has delayed diagnosis for treatment.
The problem appears to be that a new maintenance contract has not been signed for the MRI machine.
This is inexcusable as it causes great distress to staff and patients, and delays raise the risk of death particularly in cancer cases.
This is one more example of a common problem of broken equipment in Gauteng hospitals.
New Health MEC Bandile Masuku should ensure that all hospital equipment is properly maintained and in working order.