Edition March 2025

In honour of World Cancer Day, globally observed on 4 February, Novartis, a leading global healthcare company, has donated a Breast Health Clinic to Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). To reiterate the need for this clinic, nearly 84% of the South African population relies on the public healthcare sector, which needs significant support and investment from various entities in the private sector.

The formidable impact of breast cancer extends globally however, South Africa faces significant challenges, including major disparities in effective breast cancer screening, equitable treatment and survival along ethnic and socio-economic lines.

This is according to Derrick Ellen, the Head Public Affairs at Novartis South Africa.

“This important contribution reflects Novartis' commitment to enhancing healthcare infra- structure and improving access to quality healthcare for more patients in South Africa”, he said.

Stakeholder commitment

CMJAH Head of Breast Surgery, Professor Jenny Edge, expressed her gratitude for the donation, highlighting its significant impact on patient care, "we are honoured to accept the Breast Health Clinic, which will support our mission to provide exemplary healthcare. This donation shows our stakeholders commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and elevating the importance of optimal health outcomes for all patients in South Africa", she said.

"As an organisation, we are dedicated to improving access to quality healthcare and essential medicines that address society's major healthcare challenges.

The effectiveness of medicines depends on the strength and efficiency of the healthcare system delivering them. Novartis is com- mitted to supporting equitable healthcare access for all South Africans, aligning with the Presidential Health Compact's goals of infrastructure development, skills and capability building, and data surveillance”, explained Ellen.

Early detection and accurate diagnosis

The newly established clinic will provide comprehensive care in addressing breast health issues. With a focus on early detection and accurate diagnosis, the clinic aims to provide effective treatment for breast cancer, ultimately enhancing patient outcomes and quality of life. Additionally, the clinic will potentially be used for important research that can inform policy and decision-making.

“We are hoping that this facility can help address critical space shortages, and support training and development, consultations, and will contribute towards data collection for the National Cancer Registry, ensuring the delivery of real impact where it is needed most”, added Ellen.

Effects of fire damages

In April 2021, a devastating fire significantly damaged various sections of CMJAH, one of the largest hospitals in the Southern Hemisphere, severely affecting the hospital's operations.

Addressing the consequences, the hospital’s CEO Gladys Bogoshi, noted that, "due to major restrictions, breast cancer patients face long waiting times. Similarly, healthcare professionals struggle with shared consultation spaces and suboptimal treatment environments."

“This situation has com- promised the quality of care and patient dignity, leading to a reduction in follow-up visits, which in turn has con- tributed to advanced disease progression and increased mortality rates associated with breast cancer. Expanding the clinic is essential to meet the rising demand for services, early disease detection and to improve patient experiences”, said Bogoshi.

Early diagnosis and treatment

The expanded facility will enhance the patient experience by providing private consultation spaces, ensuring confidentiality, and enabling prompt treatment interventions. By streamlining patient triage and referrals to appropriate care pathways, the clinic will contribute to improved management of breast health, ultimately facilitating earlier diagnosis and treatment.

“Collaborating with various stakeholders in such initiatives has the potential to deliver lasting value in the fight against breast cancer and aligns with the broader health reform objectives in South Africa”, concluded Ellen.

The Breast Health Clinic at CMJAH is expected to serve thousands of patients annually, providing access to the latest advancements in breast healthcare and  treatment. Through this initiative, Novartis aims to make a meaningful impact on the ongoing battle against breast cancer while promoting the overall well-being of the community being serviced.