Gauteng Health said testing for diabetes had dropped by 37% between March and June, resulting in more than 340 000 fewer tests for one of South Africa’s most deadly killers.
This was revealed by acting Health MEC Jacob Mamabolo in his written replies to questions by the DA’s provincial spokesperson on health, Jack Bloom, in the Gauteng provincial legislature.
He said as a result of the testing, 10 405 patients were diagnosed and started on treatment compared to 18 085 patients last year, a drop of 7680 patients compared to last year. He also said that there was a general decline in the health care utilisation rate due to the coronavirus pandemic and some facilities were shut down for decontamination when there were positive cases.
Bloom said diabetes is a major killer in South Africa, accounting for about 90 000 deaths every year, and also greatly increases the risk of death from Covid-19.
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