N CONVERSATION WITH MOTALETALE MODIBA (Head of Communication for Gauteng Health)
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The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) is intensifying efforts to modernise and expand diagnostic imaging services, with a strong focus on boosting Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) capacity across public health facilities in the province. This initiative comes in response to growing demand for MRI scans and pressure on existing services due to past equipment shortages and staffing constraints.
The update was delivered by MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, in a recent reply to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, detailing the state and strategy around MRI services in provincial hospitals.
MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create high-resolution images of internal body structures. Unlike X-rays, MRI does not use ionising radiation, making it safer for many patients and suitable for assessing soft tissue, bones, and blood vessels.
As part of its ongoing turnaround strategy, the Department has recently commissioned new MRI machines at key academic hospitals: Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. These upgrades, implemented in early 2025, aim to reduce dependency on outdated and frequently malfunctioning equipment.
The Department acknowledged that delays in MRI services in recent years were caused by machine breakdowns, aging infrastructure, and uneven distribution of MRI units. In response, measures have now been introduced to improve access, reduce downtime, and shorten patient waiting lists.
“We have taken steps to ensure that MRI machines are covered by strong service-level agreements, allowing for quick resolution of faults. Staff capacity is also being bolstered to meet increasing demand,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Currently, all four central hospitals in Gauteng — Chris Hani Baragwanath, Dr George Mukhari, Charlotte Maxeke, and Steve Biko — have fully operational MRI machines. Steve Biko recently replaced its decommissioned 2023 unit, while Charlotte Maxeke successfully launched a new MRI scanner in March 2025.
At the tertiary hospital level, Helen Joseph Hospital, Kalafong, and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital also offer MRI services. Meanwhile, Tembisa Hospital is in the process of installing a new MRI unit after fire damage delayed implementation in its imaging department.
In hospitals that do not yet have in-house MRI capabilities, the Department is using a referral system, transferring patients to nearby facilities based on urgency and medical need. This process is monitored daily to ensure no patient falls through the cracks.
Despite an increase in patient referrals and complex cases, urgent and emergency MRI scans are prioritised. Hospitals like Steve Biko and Dr George Mukhari provide same-day MRI services for emergencies, and most other facilities complete in-patient scans within a week.
Addressing the waiting list backlog, which remains highest at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital (2,347 patients) and Dr George Mukhari (450 patients), the Department is implementing several strategies. These include extending imaging hours, refining booking systems, increasing radiology staff, and ramping up MRI capacity at cluster hospitals to relieve pressure on major referral centres.
In addition to equipment upgrades, the Department is enhancing its digital infrastructure, such as the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), to improve efficiency in handling and sharing diagnostic data. It is also exploring helium-free MRI technology to mitigate disruptions from issues like cable theft.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to equitable access to diagnostic imaging across the province and pledged continued transparency with the public about service improvements and availability
The update was delivered by MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, in a recent reply to the Gauteng Provincial Legislature, detailing the state and strategy around MRI services in provincial hospitals.
MRI is a non-invasive diagnostic technique that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to create high-resolution images of internal body structures. Unlike X-rays, MRI does not use ionising radiation, making it safer for many patients and suitable for assessing soft tissue, bones, and blood vessels.
As part of its ongoing turnaround strategy, the Department has recently commissioned new MRI machines at key academic hospitals: Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital, and Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital. These upgrades, implemented in early 2025, aim to reduce dependency on outdated and frequently malfunctioning equipment.
The Department acknowledged that delays in MRI services in recent years were caused by machine breakdowns, aging infrastructure, and uneven distribution of MRI units. In response, measures have now been introduced to improve access, reduce downtime, and shorten patient waiting lists.
“We have taken steps to ensure that MRI machines are covered by strong service-level agreements, allowing for quick resolution of faults. Staff capacity is also being bolstered to meet increasing demand,” said MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko.
Currently, all four central hospitals in Gauteng — Chris Hani Baragwanath, Dr George Mukhari, Charlotte Maxeke, and Steve Biko — have fully operational MRI machines. Steve Biko recently replaced its decommissioned 2023 unit, while Charlotte Maxeke successfully launched a new MRI scanner in March 2025.
At the tertiary hospital level, Helen Joseph Hospital, Kalafong, and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital also offer MRI services. Meanwhile, Tembisa Hospital is in the process of installing a new MRI unit after fire damage delayed implementation in its imaging department.
In hospitals that do not yet have in-house MRI capabilities, the Department is using a referral system, transferring patients to nearby facilities based on urgency and medical need. This process is monitored daily to ensure no patient falls through the cracks.
Despite an increase in patient referrals and complex cases, urgent and emergency MRI scans are prioritised. Hospitals like Steve Biko and Dr George Mukhari provide same-day MRI services for emergencies, and most other facilities complete in-patient scans within a week.
Addressing the waiting list backlog, which remains highest at Charlotte Maxeke Hospital (2,347 patients) and Dr George Mukhari (450 patients), the Department is implementing several strategies. These include extending imaging hours, refining booking systems, increasing radiology staff, and ramping up MRI capacity at cluster hospitals to relieve pressure on major referral centres.
In addition to equipment upgrades, the Department is enhancing its digital infrastructure, such as the Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), to improve efficiency in handling and sharing diagnostic data. It is also exploring helium-free MRI technology to mitigate disruptions from issues like cable theft.
The Department reaffirmed its commitment to equitable access to diagnostic imaging across the province and pledged continued transparency with the public about service improvements and availability