News - Clinical visits and SAGES 2008

Tessa Uiterwaal

On the 5th of August 2008 a selected group of Dutch gastroenterologists and I, a GI fellow, landed early in the morning in Jo´burg. Like previous years we planned to visit several hospitals and to attend the congress of the SAGES thereafter, which was held in Cape Town. The first hospital to visit was Jo’burg general hospital (JGH). After a warm welcome by the JGH GI group we were invited to visit the hospital, several wards, outpatient departments as well as the endoscopy unit, followed by a scrumptious lunch. The afternoon was filled with clinical presentations. The next morning we had an early wake up call (4:30h am). Directly from Cape Town Airport we went to GSH, a beautiful monumental building. The program consisted of lectures and a tour through the endoscopy unit.

 

It was very interesting to experience how the healthcare system works in SA. It strikes me that the government makes it difficult for foreign doctors to work in SA, even though there is a tremendous shortage of doctors, especially in governmental hospitals and SA doctors are leaving the country to work elsewhere. Although the two university hospitals are certainly not as modern as Dutch hospitals due to their restricted financial budget they appear to provide a good health care with lots of possibilities and amazingly enthusiastic doctors. A smaller public hospital we visited the next day in Cape Town was GF Jooste Hospital, which is situated in the townships. Denis Allard, a surgeon, gave us a grand tour through the hospital.We were all deeply impressed. The wards were filled with patients with shot and stab wounds, lots of HIV and TBC.

 

In my view, too many patients for the number of doctors working there. They work long days, with limited equipment, nonetheless they stay enthusiastic and positive. The Dutch group and Astra Zeneca Holland raised an amount of money for them to buy an ultrasound, which they still needed. Dr Klinkenberg took the initiative for this rewarding project and offered the cheque. The last hospital to visit was Panorama Medi Clinic, a private hospital. The contrast was incredible. Difficult to comprehend and accept. Maarten Prins, a gastroenterologist, gave us a tour.

 

He showed us the wards, luxurious single rooms with beautiful bathroom facilities and a fully equipped, “up to date” endoscopy unit. He explained how the private hospital works, which was interesting to hear. Altogether a very instructive experience. Enough material for long conversations and discussions during the lovely diners in the evenings.We would like to thank everyone in SA who made this visit again very successful and unforgettable. And of course special thanks to Astra Zeneca, for facilitating this visit.

The South African Gastroenterology Review • November 2007


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