Latest news with #SteveBikoAcademicHospital
Zawya
26-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Africa: Steve Biko Hospital is a blueprint for NHI's future
President Cyril Ramaphosa praised the Steve Biko Academic Hospital, saying that it is a model public health facility and a blueprint for the future of the National Health Insurance (NHI). President Ramaphosa on his oversight visit to the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility housed at the hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. The president described the hospital as a shining example of what quality public healthcare should look like. He said this during his oversight visit to the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility housed at the hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday, 24 June 2025. He was accompanied by ministers and deputy ministers, including the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. The president is 'very impressed' He highlighted how Motsoaledi had told him that private hospitals are often referring patients to this public hospital. 'It shows that this public hospital is a model for all the good things, and this is the future of what the National Health Insurance (NHI) is all about, because they would not be coming here if Steve Biko Academic hospital was not as good as it is. 'I leave this place very impressed. When I went to some of the areas, I just saw (a) world-class type of facility that has been built, and even as one goes around the world, I don't remember seeing many of such, and I'm usually impressed by technology most of the time. And when we say that we have the best on the continent and possibly in the world, this is what we have seen here,' the president said. The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility is the only one of its kind on the continent, dedicated to cancer and TB drug development, advanced imaging, and clinical research. It reflects a successful collaboration between the Department of Health, Department of Science and Innovation, the University of Pretoria, and private sector partners. Walking through the hospital's departments, including the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and radiology units, Ramaphosa commended the level of professionalism and excellence. He praised the diversity and competence of the staff, from cleaners to researchers as well as the facility's cutting-edge equipment and cleanliness. 'I have seen the future of the NHI. It is here. And, more importantly, as I've been going around talking to the doctors, scientists, and nurses, they are the ones saying to me: 'we are ready for NHI.' Those campaigning against it need to come here and see how it's going to work,' the president said. Inclusivity in action He also took time to applaud the high representation of women and young professionals in senior and technical roles at the hospital, calling it a powerful example of inclusivity and transformation in action. 'Women run this facility. They are researchers, professors, doctors, and nurses – delivering top-class healthcare. And I saw so many young people here; the future of our country,' he said. The president also singled out Professor Mike Sathekge, who heads the Nuclear Medicine Unit, for his outstanding leadership and global recognition. 'Let's give Professor Sathekge a round of applause for being recognised globally as well. It isn't often that you meet a guy who is Black, who is from Limpopo, who is recognised in the way that he is,' the president said. Homegrown innovation He expressed admiration for the hospital's homegrown innovation, highlighting the cardiology department, which has developed sophisticated medical equipment showcasing South Africa's engineering and scientific capabilities. He also lavished praise on Professor Andrew Sarkin, who is an academic and clinical head at the University of Pretoria and the hospital. 'The diversity of the talent that we have from various parts of our country makes this facility, this hospital, what it is. 'I also applaud Professor Sarkin and his staff for the excellent work that they do. In here resides the talent, the engineering knowledge, and capability to be able to produce some of the best technologies that the medical world has ever seen. I really applaud the cardiology department,' he said. The president further praised the hospital's cleanliness and organisation, crediting management and support staff for upholding high standards. He called for the Steve Biko Academic Hospital model to be replicated across the country. 'This is how a hospital should be run. This is how a hospital should be managed. And this is what the NHI must look like,' he said. The president's visit to Steve Biko Academic Hospital served not only to showcase a leading healthcare institution but also to reaffirm the government's commitment to building a future where all South Africans have access to high-quality public healthcare.
The South African
25-06-2025
- Health
- The South African
Steve Biko Academic Hospital lauded as blueprint for future of NHI
Home » Steve Biko Academic Hospital lauded as blueprint for future of NHI President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the Steve Biko Academic Hospital as a blueprint for the future of the National Health Insurance (NHI). Image: MediPlan President Cyril Ramaphosa has lauded the state-of-the-art Steve Biko Academic Hospital as a model public health facility and a blueprint for the future of the National Health Insurance (NHI). The President described the hospital as a shining example of what quality public healthcare should look like. He said this during his oversight visit to the Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility housed at the hospital in Pretoria on Tuesday. He was accompanied by Ministers and Deputy Ministers including the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi, Gauteng Premier, Panyaza Lesufi and Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko. He highlighted how the Minister of Health had told him that private hospitals are often referring patients to this public hospital. 'It shows that this public hospital is a model for all the good things, and this is the future of what the National Health Insurance (NHI) is all about, because they would not be coming here if Steve Biko Academic hospital was not as good as it is. 'I leave this place very impressed. When I went to some of the areas, I just saw [a] world-class type of facility that has been built, and even as one goes around the world, I don't remember seeing many of such, and I'm usually impressed by technology most of the time. And when we say that we have the best on the continent and possibly in the world, this is what we have seen here,' the President said. The Nuclear Medicine Research Infrastructure (NuMeRI) facility is the only one of its kind on the continent, dedicated to cancer and TB drug development, advanced imaging, and clinical research. It reflects a successful collaboration between the Department of Health, Department of Science and Innovation, the University of Pretoria, and private sector through the hospital's departments, including the cardiac catheterisation laboratory and radiology units, President Ramaphosa commended the level of professionalism and excellence. He praised the diversity and competence of the staff, from cleaners to researchers as well as the facility's cutting-edge equipment and cleanliness. 'I have seen the future of the NHI. It is here. And more importantly, as I've been going around talking to the doctors, scientists, and nurses, they are the ones saying to me: 'we are ready for NHI.' Those campaigning against it need to come here and see how it's going to work,' the President said. He also took time to applaud the high representation of women and young professionals in senior and technical roles at the hospital, calling it a powerful example of inclusivity and transformation in action. 'Women run this facility. They are researchers, professors, doctors, and nurses – delivering top-class healthcare. And I saw so many young people here; the future of our country,' the President said. The President also singled out Professor Mike Sathekge, who heads the Nuclear Medicine Unit, for his outstanding leadership and global recognition. 'Let's give Professor Sathekge a round of applause for being recognised globally as well. It isn't often that you meet a guy who is black, who is from Limpopo, who is recognised in the way that he is,' the President said. He expressed admiration for the hospital's homegrown innovation, highlighting the cardiology department, which has developed sophisticated medical equipment showcasing South Africa's engineering and scientific capabilities. He also lavished praise on Professor Andrew Sarkin who is an academic and clinical head at University of Pretoria and the hospital. 'The diversity of the talent that we have from various parts of our country makes this facility, this hospital, what it is. 'I also applaud Professor Sarkin and his staff for the excellent work that they do. In here resides the talent, the engineering knowledge, and capability to be able to produce some of the best technologies that the medical world has ever seen. I really applaud the cardiology department,' he said. The President further praised the hospital's cleanliness and organisation, crediting management and support staff for upholding high called for the Steve Biko Academic Hospital model to be replicated across the country. 'This is how a hospital should be run. This is how a hospital should be managed. And this is what the NHI must look like,' he said. The President's visit to Steve Biko Academic Hospital served not only to showcase a leading healthcare institution, but also to reaffirm government's commitment to building a future where all South Africans have access to high-quality public healthcare. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1 Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
The Citizen
09-06-2025
- Health
- The Citizen
Gauteng hospitals get major tech overhaul to slash scan backlogs
New MRI machines have been successfully installed at Steve Biko Academic Hospital and George Mukhari Academic Hospital. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has ramped up the installation of new MRI machines at key hospitals across the province in a bid to modernise diagnostic services and reduce lengthy waiting times. This follows growing pressure on public health facilities due to outdated equipment, high demand, and historic staff shortages. Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said upgrades are well underway, with several hospitals now operating new MRI units as part of a broader turnaround strategy. 'We have taken steps to ensure that MRI machines are supported by service-level agreements to prevent lengthy downtimes and ensure quick resolution of technical faults,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. Key hospitals equipped with new machines New MRI machines have been successfully installed early this year at Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. 'These machines were commissioned in early 2025, enabling significant improvements in service delivery and reducing reliance on older, often faulty equipment.' Steve Biko recently replaced a decommissioned MRI unit, while Charlotte Maxeke commissioned a new machine in March. Chris Hani Baragwanath also has a functional MRI machine, completing the rollout across Gauteng's four central hospitals. At the tertiary level, Helen Joseph, Kalafong, and Rahima Moosa hospitals also provide MRI services. Meanwhile, installation at Tembisa Hospital is ongoing following delays caused by a fire in the imaging section. ALSO READ: Health MEC says Tembisa Hospital still operational after fire, confirms no injuries [PICS] Backlogs and emergency prioritisation Despite improvements, Charlotte Maxeke Hospital has a backlog of 2 347 patients awaiting MRI scans, followed by 450 at Dr George Mukhari. To ease these pressures, the department has extended imaging hours, improved booking systems and increased radiology staffing. 'Urgent and emergency scans are prioritised across the province,' the department said, noting that hospitals such as Steve Biko and Dr George Mukhari offer same-day MRIs for emergency cases. Where facilities lack MRI machines, patients are referred to nearby hospitals based on clinical urgency. This referral model is monitored daily to avoid missed cases. ALSO READ: Operations continue at Tembisa hospital after second fire in less than a week Tech upgrades and safety measures In addition to equipment upgrades, the department is enhancing digital systems like PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System) to streamline image storage and reporting. It is also exploring helium-free MRI technology to prevent disruptions caused by cable theft. 'The Department reiterates its commitment to ensuring equitable access to diagnostic services across all regions. 'We will continue to communicate transparently with the public on service availability and improvements,' said Nkomo-Ralehoko. NOW READ: Gauteng health urges parents to take children for immunisation
