Best Hospitals for General Surgery in South Africa

Some of the world-class multispecialty hospitals in South Africa are:

1. Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital
2. Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital
3. Busamed Gateway Private Hospital
4. Busamed Modderfontein Private Hospital
5. Busamed Lowveld Hospital
6. Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre
7. Busamed Paardevlei Private Hospital
8. Life Bay View Private Hospital
9. Lenmed Shifa Hospital

Below are some of the parameters which reflect the quality of these hospitals:

1. Providing clear information about medicines to patients
2. Effective engagement between nursing staff/doctors and patients;
3. Suitability of the hospital environment for meeting the needs of patients
4. Effectively managing pain.

The government of South Africa has strict healthcare regulations in place which all hospitals need to follow to ensure quality treatment. Supported by state-of-art infrastructure, advanced medical equipment, and highly qualified doctors, the hospitals offer various facilities to improve the patient experience.

The healthcare system in South Africa is accredited by Joint Commission International (JCI) and Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA). COHSASA develops and evaluates standards in all areas and departments of a healthcare facility in order to make sure that integrated and coordinated care is provided. The SafeCare program introduced by JCI, COHSASA, and SafeCare Foundation aims at using internationally recognized standards to provide health care delivery. The accreditation bodies ensure that the hospitals are consistent in delivering quality care, so, initially, they grant accreditation to hospitals and clinics only for 2 years which gets extended if the quality is maintained.

A large number of medical tourists visit South Africa every year due to low-cost treatment and modern infrastructure. Some other factors which contribute to the growth of medical tourism in South Africa are use of cutting-edge technology, new facilities provided by hospitals, doctors trained overseas, and a large number of accredited hospitals. South Africa has also liberal laws for the application of stem cells in medical practice, making the country a leading destination for patients who need advanced medical treatment. You get comprehensive treatment at world-class hospitals which assist you with all organization and administrative tasks and also provide you all-inclusive care and assistance on a 24/7 basis.

South Africa produces some of the finest doctors in the world who are well-trained and highly qualified to serve patients with quality care. Majority of doctors in South Africa have received rigorous training in countries like Cuba and Australia which makes them competent in dealing with even the most complicated cases with great ease. The doctors deliver great results in dental procedures and fertility treatments and provide complete patient satisfaction through a holistic approach. South Africa has world-class doctors due to several reasons like their education at reputed colleges, adherence to global standards, patient-centric approach, and incorporation of the human touch in treatment.

You can avail a medical visa to South Africa and stay in the country for 90 days to seek treatment. Further extension of the duration of the stay is decided by the High Commission of the country where the patient belongs from. People need to apply for a temporary residency permit in case they have to stay in the country for more than three months. A visa becomes valid the day it is issued by the High Commission and not on the date of departure. Also, an application for a visa is not be accepted more than 30 days before departure. Make sure you have the below-listed documents while applying for a medical visa:

1. Passport
2. Passport-sized photographs
3. Online Application form
4. Full return flight reservation
5. Proof of stay in South Africa
6. Signed official medical letter from medical institution
7. Signed medical letter from a recognized local practitioner

Some popular procedures available in South Africa are hip replacement, anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) reconstruction, total knee replacement, meniscus repairs. Some other procedures which have gained popularity in South Africa are cosmetic surgery and infertility treatment. Fertility treatment through egg donation has seen a high success rate in South Africa wherein a person can opt for a surgical or non-surgical procedure, with quite low waiting times. People select South Africa to avail these procedures due to several reasons, such as world-class hospitals with superior infrastructure and highly-skilled doctors, fast recovery, and use of cutting-edge medical technology.

Some popular cities of South Africa that attract a huge number of medical tourists every year are Cape Town, Johannesburg, Pretoria, and Durban. Cape Town a major tourist attraction that has a rich culture, world-class doctors, and modern health facilities. Most of these cities have an efficient public transportation system, cheap accommodation options, and connectivity through airlines. Johannesburg’s public and private healthcare industry coordinates with South Africa's medical schools to create internationally recognized medical specialists and the quality of medical care is on par with Great Britain.

Yes, vaccination is compulsory before visiting South Africa. The vaccines recommended by WHO and the National Travel Health Network and Centre are Rabies and tetanus, hepatitis B, typhoid, cholera, Yellow fever, hepatitis A. Infants of 6 to 11 months old are at greater risk of contracting measles, so they must get MMR vaccine before travelling to South Africa. Typhoid vaccine is recommended for most travellers, especially those staying with friends or relatives or visiting smaller cities or rural areas. You can connect with your doctor or the hospital in South Africa for the required vaccines. Also, refer to the travel advisory issued by the government.