By Agreemen Mabunda
BOTLOKWA-Limpopo Health MEC Dr Phophi Ramathuba congratulates Professor Steve Matshidze and his dedicated team for successfully performing the first robotic-assisted knee replacement surgery at Botlokwa level one district and rural Hospital which is the first of its kind in Limpopo Province.
MEC Ramathuba has described this surgery as a major achievement and milestone as part of the ongoing Rural Health Matters Campaign, aimed at reducing surgical backlogs in rural and remote hospitals.
“Robot-assisted orthopaedic surgery is a significant step forward in reducing surgical backlogs and improving the quality of healthcare services in rural communities” she continued
“The utilization of robotics enhances surgical precision, minimizes recovery times, and mitigates risks for patients.”
She said this breakthrough exemplifies our dedication to advancing medical services in underserved regions and will pave the way to increase the expedition of orthopaedic surgical backlog that has for many years been a challenge for an under-resourced province like Limpopo.
“This achievement at Botlokwa Hospital is a testament to the dedication and innovative spirit of our healthcare professionals, and we anticipate further remarkable developments in the near future. What makes this special is that Botlokwa Hospital is a deep rural hospital which is coincidentally built in the village of Charlotte Maxeke who is the first black woman to graduate with a science degree in South Africa” said a very excited MEC Ramathuba
