​By Koketso Maraba
 
The unveiling of a new Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital (RMMCH) this week will go a long way in accelerating diagnoses and treatment of patients at the facility.
Previously, children who need scans were sent to Nelson Mandela Children's Hospital, and mothers had to go to Charlotte Maxeke Academic Hospital or Helen Joseph Hospital. These limitations not only placed a strain on families but also caused delays in diagnoses and treatments, making it harder for medical professionals to provide the best care.
MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko together with the FirstRand Bank and Ahmed Kathrada Foundation unveiled the state-of-the-art medical equipment that will enhance the hospital's diagnostic services on Friday, 20 September 2024. This new technology will offer immediate and life-saving care to those who need it the most.
MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko said that the RMMCH now has a tool that can save lives, one scan at a time. This will provide medical professionals with accurate diagnoses, earlier interventions, and an overall improvement in patient care. 
"MRIs are the cornerstone of modern medicine, and their ability to generate detailed images of the body's internal functions makes them effective in early disease detection. The availability of this scanner will improve the way we deliver healthcare at this hospital," said the MEC. 
To ensure that this technology is used to its full potential, three radiographers from Rahima Moosa were selected for an intensive training program at Siemens Academy in Egypt. Their newfound expertise will guarantee that the hospital maintains the highest standards of patient care and diagnostic accuracy. This readiness further emphasises the commitment of the Gauteng Department of Health to improve healthcare services in health facilities. 
Prof Nasreen Mohamed, Head of Radiology at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital explained that through advanced imaging the facility will have improved diagnosis of particular conditions assisting specialists greatly.
"For the past 15 years we did not have an MRI and the waiting times for this much needed service for outpatients was between two to three months while inpatients was approximately one month.
"This new machine will allow us to give advanced imaging and service delivery to our patients, both children and adults. It will also ensure that we give a proper diagnosis and refer for adequate treatment," said Prof Mohamed.