Bloemfontein: The Free State Department of Health is expanding access to minimally invasive cardiac care for children with the opening of the Paediatric Cardiology Catheterisation Laboratory at Universitas Academic Hospital. The digitally enabled state-of-the-art facility will serve children from the Free State and neighbouring provinces. 'This milestone shows our commitment to quality care through digitisation and advanced health technology - bringing safer, faster, closer-to-home services for our children,' provincial Health MEC Monyatso Mahlatsi said.
According to South African Government News Agency, the lab boasts diagnostic speed, procedural safety, and continuity of care while strengthening specialist training in the province. Other digital and technological interventions aimed at boosting the province's healthcare system include the implementation of HMS² (Health Management System 2), an integrated, in-house Electronic Medical Records System now live in 19 of 33 hospitals. This EMR rollout is improving documentation, handovers, and data-driven decisions.
Imaging modernization is also a priority, with a province-wide replacement of obsolete radiology equipment and PACS, costing R100 million for faster, secure imaging. The UAH paediatric cath lab itself opened on 9 June 2026, with an investment of R33 million to deliver high-precision, minimally invasive cardiac interventions for children. Additionally, adult cardiac and image-guided care are being enhanced with the commissioning of adult catheterisation labs and interventional radiology this year, at costs of R51 million and R28 million, respectively.
Further advancements include a new MRI for Pelonomi and a cutting-edge PET-CT at UAH, strengthening oncology diagnostics. Surgical innovation is marked by the introduction of the Versius Surgical Robotic System at UAH, enabling precise, minimally invasive surgery. Newborn care is supported by PEA POD technology for early detection and management needs in neonates, while maternal care is bolstered by a new Pelonomi maternity ward equipped with R60 million in advanced theatre technology.
The impact derived from these health technologies includes faster diagnosis and treatment, fewer complications, and shorter stays. Digitised records and modern PACS improve traceability and reduce medico-legal risk, while expanded local capacity reduces patient travel and waiting times.