Our Position – Private hospitals: the key to clearing the elective surgery backlog

When a patient needs surgery, they have the option of undergoing the procedure through either the public or private health system. In public hospitals, government funding covers the cost, but patients may face waiting periods of several months or even years. Alternatively, they can opt for surgery in the private system.

These procedures, often called elective surgeries, are not optional choices made by patients. Instead, they are essential interventions, frequently necessary to treat lifethreatening conditions or alleviate severe pain and disability that hinder a normal life. For adults, common elective surgeries include joint replacements to restore mobility and cataract removal to enhance vision. In children, essential procedures such as grommet insertion and cle