ENT surgeons and the UCT Private Academic Hospital have decided to offer tonsillectomies at significantly reduced rates.

A hospital spokesperson said the move was aimed at assisting parents who were not on medical aid. The ENT specialists expressed concern at the difficulties facing cash-strapped parents with children who suffer from chronic tonsillitis, as they either have to endure long waiting lists or find some way of paying for the procedure to be done privately.

It is understood that state hospitals currently only do tonsillectomies in cases where a child has been referred with complications such as obstructed breathing.

Described as a "temporary measure", the reduced fee is offered to children between the ages of three and 12. The hospital's fixed fee for tonsillectomies, with no overnight admission, includes all hospital, surgeon's and anaesthetist's fees.

Further information can be obtained from tel 442 1800/09 or 442 1966/1940.