Gauteng podiatrists have recorded more than 25,000 diabetes-related foot consultations since April, according to figures released by the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) and reported by IOL on 8 October 2026.
The department said 61 podiatrists work across 11 hospitals and five health districts. In the 2025/26 financial year they attended to 63,046 patients, screened 34,245 people, including 14,572 living with diabetes, and issued 9,154 therapeutic devices.
Gauteng diabetic foot activity since April
Since April, the department reports 15,267 wound-management interventions and participation in 42 awareness campaigns. The figures were released around World Podiatry Day, whose theme was “Feet Carry Every Culture”.
The department encouraged all people living with diabetes, circulatory disorders and chronic health conditions to attend regular foot screenings. It said it wants to reduce preventable disability and amputations and improve quality of life for residents.
IMEA CPO Perspective
The following is IMEA CPO analysis, not a claim made in the source report. Dividing the reported 63,046 patients by 61 podiatrists gives roughly 1,000 patients per podiatrist in a year. This is a simple calculation from two published figures, not a department metric, but it shows how stretched a public diabetic foot service can be.
For orthotists, pedorthists and CPOs, the 9,154 therapeutic devices issued in one year point to sizeable demand for offloading, protective footwear, insoles and orthoses within public care. The report does not say what types of devices were issued, who makes them or how patients are followed up, so the opportunity for CPO involvement is still to be defined. Africa’s diabetic foot burden is rising, and services that connect screening, wound care and device provision are likely to matter most for preventing amputations.
Frequently asked questions
How many diabetic foot consultations has Gauteng recorded? More than 25,000 since April 2026, according to the Gauteng Department of Health.
How many podiatrists work in Gauteng’s public service? 61, across 11 hospitals and five health districts.
How many therapeutic devices were issued? 9,154 in the 2025/26 financial year.
Suggested hyperlinks / sources
- Source: IOL, Over 25,000 diabetes-related foot consultations recorded in Gauteng since April
- More O&P Africa news on IMEA CPO