Lung disease is a general term for several disorders that include airway diseases, lung tissue diseases, and lung circulation diseases, some of which may lead to respiratory failure.
Studies conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2023, lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths around the world, affecting both men and women. Evidence shows that South Africa has a high frequency of pulmonary disorders, with over 280,000 tuberculosis diagnoses annually and a ranking in the top 10 countries worldwide for lung cancer incidence.
If there are insufficient biopsy facilities in a hospital, that limits the ability of pulmonologists to get enough tissue samples, leading to diagnostic delays. These delays mean that the illness might evolve to more advanced stages, where there are fewer treatment options and a less favourable prognosis.
To assist tackle this issue, Dis-Chem’s #BetterTomorrowStartsHere initiative, spearheaded by the Dis-Chem Foundation, donated the ERBECRYO® 2, a cutting-edge piece of equipment that expedites surgical biopsy procedures, ultimately reducing the burden of lung cancer. Furthermore, this equipment will reduce the hospital’s reliance on cardio-thoracic surgeons to obtain sufficient lung biopsies, allowing them to focus on other critical procedures, and freeing up much-needed surgical resources within the public health sector.
This tool will also free up more time for other crucial procedures for the cardio-thoracic surgeons, as they won’t be as dependent on them to acquire sufficient lung biopsies. It is anticipated that this advancement will shorten diagnostic wait times, preserve resources, lessen patient anxiety, and ease the strain on the public health system.
Speaking to IOL, Rui Morais and said, “This support of Charlotte Maxeke Hospital’s pulmonology department is a step towards addressing challenges in pulmonary health and aligns with Dis-Chem’s commitment to elevating primary health care across as broad a base of South Africans as possible.”
The R12 million investment intends to address South Africa’s most pressing issues and is symbolically connected to the 12 winning points in the Rugby World Cup final. The goal is to use the money responsibly to enhance South Africans’ quality of life and produce enduring benefits for both people and communities. 22,000 employees of Dis-Chem cast votes for causes that were important to them, and the pulmonary department at CMJAH won the first initiative.
Morais continued to say that this investment represented a sign of harmony and hope. It highlights how coming together may lead to positive change and the advancement of a nation. Dis-Chem remains committed to investing the promised R12 million in momentum change, with the increased hope catalysing a more promising future.
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