Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko inspects the newly-procured cutting-edge health equipment and medical technology at Steve Biko hospital. SUPPLIED
The Steve Biko Academic Hospital has made a significant investment in healthcare with the acquisition of advanced medical equipment worth over R26 million, aimed at enhancing patient care and operational efficiency.
The newly-procured cutting-edge health equipment and medical technology, which was unveiled by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, is expected to significantly enhance patient care, reduce complications, and shorten hospital stays.
The multimillion rand equipment includes two Catheterisation laboratories (Cath Lab), two Magnetic Resonance Imaging machines, a Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography, three Bucky X-ray units, a Chest X-ray unit, three Mobile C-Arm machines and six Mobile X-rays.
According to Nkomo-Ralehoko, the procurement aligns with the department's priorities to modernise and improve health infrastructure, patient care, and operational efficiency.
The equipment is designed to be less invasive, more comfortable, and quicker, making treatments less daunting for patients.
She said: “We want to ensure that every patient who walks through the doors of our facilities receives the best possible care. Therefore, it is imperative that our healthcare facilities are well equipped with the necessary resources to provide the quality healthcare services.”
The equipment will also reduce errors, enhance outcomes, and build trust between healthcare providers and patients.
Paediatric cardiologist at the hospital, Dr Mamokgethi Rangaka, expressed excitement about the new Cath Lab, saying it will enable simultaneous operations for hundreds of patients daily.
“We are very elated as the clinical staff to have a new Cath Lab in this hospital that receives hundreds of patients on a daily basis in need of diagnostic imaging, testing and treatment. We will now be able to operate two patients simultaneously,” she said.
Additionally, the department is expanding radiotherapy infrastructure with new centers at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, enhancing cancer treatment capacity in the province.
Meanwhile, the department has strongly condemned a robbery incident involving three Tshwane ward-based primary health outreach team members at Soshanguve Block TT.
According to department spokesperson Motalatale Modiba, the incident occurred on Wednesday when four thugs, one of whom was armed, approached the health post and robbed the team of laptops and cell phones.
Fortunately, no one was physically injured during the incident. However, counselling services have been made available to the affected team members.
A case of robbery has been opened at the Soshanguve police station.
Pretoria News
rapula.moatshe@inl.co.za
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