Private labs to help with forensic backlog

The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has assured the public that reducing toxicology and histology backlogs in the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service remains a priority.

Currently, the province is tackling over 17 000 toxicology cases and over 7 000 histology cases, with some dating as far as 2007.

Although this is a nationwide challenge, the GDoH has committed to putting in place measures to fast-track addressing the backlogs.

Toxicology reports indicate the type and approximate amount of legal and illegal drugs in a deceased’s body by measuring how much of the substances are in their blood, urine, or other bodily fluids.

Histopathology focuses on diagnosing and studying diseases of the tissues and involves examining tissues and/or cells under a microscope.

The backlogs can be attributed to a combination of factors, including the emergence of foreign drugs that are difficult to trace, an increase in cases of sudden deaths, suspicion of poisoning among family members in cases of unexpected deaths, the absence of medical histories for some deceased individuals (this leads to prolonged and multiple tests on one body), and the limited availability of private laboratories willing to conduct state toxicology tests and appear as expert witnesses in court.

“We are fully aware of the impact the backlogs have on the families of the deceased, who are seeking closure and facing material trauma due to the long delays in finalising estates.

“We also understand that insurance claims are being affected, and are fast-tracking interventions to resolve this issue,” explains the acting CEO of the Gauteng Forensic Pathology Service, Thembalethu Mpahlaza.

To find a lasting solution to address the backlogs, the GDoH will continue to engage external private partners through public-private partnerships to augment the current capacity to process cases.

The department has furthermore embarked on a drive to recruit specialist toxicologists to boost the capacity of the existing team and enhance the ability to process cases more expeditiously.

The opening of the Ga-Rankuwa Forensic Pathology Service Training Room, which will contribute to producing highly skilled people in forensic pathology, will lead to the development of histopathologists.

In the first quarter of the new financial year, the long-awaited forensic medical service facility at Helen Joseph Hospital will open its doors. The structure will provide an in-house toxicology laboratory, among other labs.