​The Steve Biko Academic Hospital (SBAH) is set to provide improved efficiency and dependability in delivering healthcare services including better patient experience of care.
This comes after Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko on Thursday, 21 November, unveiled newly procured cutting-edge health equipment and medical technology. This investment worth over R26 million will ensure that the hospital continues to provide better outcomes with fewer complications, shorter hospital stays, and reduced readmission costs rates.
 The newly procured equipment includes two Catheterisation laboratories (Cath Lab), two Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) machines, a Positron Emission Tomography-Computed Tomography (PET-CT), three Bucky X-ray units, a Chest X-ray unit, three Mobile C-Arm machines and six Mobile X-rays.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the procurement of the innovative health equipment and medical technology is in line with the Gauteng Department of Health's (GDoH) key priorities to modernise and improve Health infrastructure and enhance patient care and improve operational efficiency.
"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 quality healthcare services," said the MEC.
The newly procured, advanced, health equipment is less invasive, more comfortable, and often quicker, making treatments and procedures less daunting for patients. They will not only improve the accuracy of diagnostic imaging and treatment but also elevate the comfort and safety of patients. They are, furthermore, going to reduce errors, enhance outcomes, and build trust between healthcare providers and patients.
Dr Mamokgethi Rangaka, Paediatric Cardiologist at SBAH said that the hospital will now be able to book more patients in need of diagnostic imaging while ensuring the reduction of errors, enhance outcomes, and build trust between healthcare providers and patients.
"We are very elated as the clinical staff to have new Catheterisation Laboratories (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," said Rangaka, who was in the middle of a diagnostic imaging procedure in the new Cath Lab to ascertain whether a paediatric patient with Down Syndrome is suitable for heart surgery.
In addition, the MEC reiterated that the GDoH is making progress in expanding radiotherapy infrastructure with the construction of additional radiotherapy centres now underway at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital and Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital. This will enhance capacity to provide cancer treatment in the province.