Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness opens Xray centre in Soweto

As part of their collective commitment to improving healthcare accessibility in underserved communities, the MEC for Health and Wellness in Gauteng, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko and Pristem Global Diagnostics SA, launched the first radiology diagnostic centre last Tuesday at Maponya Mall.

The purpose of this initiative is to provide middle-class township residents with quality healthcare facilities. This is to also assist the public sector in the reduction of long queues.

CEO of Pristem Diagnostics SA, Yvonne Motsisi stipulated that the celebration of this significant advancement in underserved townships is in alignment with 30 years of democracy.

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“We are providing healthcare to all with accessibility, proximity and affordability.

“We believe socio-economic status of human beings should not determine their access to healthcare. It is their right and not a privilege,” she said.

This follows the launch of Open Diagnostics’ inaugural centre in Alexandra last year November. These centres are specifically situated in close proximity to the communities they serve.

The aim is to focus on the formally employed and uninsured markets in South Africa, which account for approximately 16 million people. 70% of their patients are privately insured while uninsured patients pay for their services out-of-pocket.

During her speech, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko endorsed Open Diagnostics and said, “The presence of this facility in the heart of Soweto ensures that these top-tier radiology services are easily accessible, promoting quicker and more efficient medical responses.

“It reflects our dedication to investing in health and well-being at a community level, and it stands as a model for future healthcare models nationwide.”

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Unjani Clinic, a non-profit company which has about eight clinics in Soweto, was also part of the launch.

As part of their contribution to the National Health Insurance (NHI), they deploy clinics into communities at a very affordable price.

“The idea is to help government deal with the numbers of people that need care but give the patient a choice.

“Now patients can move from an affordable Unjani Clinic to an affordable Open Diagnostic centre. We provide a much more affordable alternative,” said CEO of Unjani Clinic, Lynda Toussaint.

The MEC closed off by advising Open Diagnostics to expand and launch more radiology services to other townships like Tembisa and Soshanguve.