Central SA
R72 Million Pet-CT Scanner at National Hospital to boost patient care─── REFILWE BEKANE 13:00 Fri, 27 Feb 2026
The National Hospital in Bloemfontein has officially integrated its new R72m Pet-CT scanner into a regional diagnostic network serving the Northern Cape and other provinces.
This expansion ensures patients from these neighbouring regions no longer have to travel to distant provinces for critical cancer and heart scans. By positioning the hospital as a central hub, the department of health is transforming how specialised medical services are shared across South Africa’s borders.
The government views this R72m spent not as a simple purchase, but as a strategic investment in the future of the healthcare workforce and the well-being of the broader population.
To support this regional plan, the department is overhauling its approach to equipment care. With 82% of current imaging machines being over a decade old and lacking maintenance schedules, officials are moving forward with a new maintenance plan in place for the Pet-CT scanner.
This involves collaborating with suppliers on financing models that prioritise the machine’s long-term health to prevent future breakdowns.
“The greatest winners of this investment are our patients,” said the Free State health department HOD Ernest Mohlahlo.
The Pet-CT scanner was worth R72 million. Photo: Refilwe Bekane
Siemens Healthineers, the technical partner for this project, has meanwhile pledged to support the hospital throughout the machine’s entire lifespan, said CEO Ayanda Swana, adding their role goes beyond just the initial setup. It intends to maintain a constant presence at the National Hospital to ensure the technology remains at the highest standard for the benefit of regional patients.
The partnership also includes plans for scientific research and data sharing within the new diagnostic network. By working closely with the department of health, Siemens aims to help the hospital stay at the forefront of medical breakthroughs.
This collaborative model is designed to be sustainable, ensuring that the R72 million investment continues to provide high-quality diagnostic services for years to come. “We are not only present at the beginning, but we’re also going to be here throughout the life of this really cutting-edge technology,” said Swana.
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