The MRI services in Gauteng’s public hospitals are under immense pressure due to historic equipment failures and ongoing staff shortages. With only eight MRI machines spread across seven hospitals to serve an estimated 12.5 million people, the backlog of patients awaiting scans has reached over 3,500.
An MRI scan is a crucial diagnostic tool that uses magnetic fields and radio waves to produce detailed images of the body’s internal structures. It is essential for diagnosing conditions such as tumours, injuries, neurological disorders, and infections.
According to Gauteng DA Health spokesperson Jack Bloom, Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is the most severely affected, with 2,347 patients waiting up to 12 months for an MRI scan. Other hospitals with significant backlogs include Dr George Mukhari Hospital, Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, and Helen Joseph Hospital.
The growing waiting lists raise concerns about delays in diagnosis and treatment, particularly for conditions like cancer and neurological disorders. Bloom emphasizes the urgent need for investment in equipment maintenance, adequate staffing, and improved hospital infrastructure to ensure timely access to critical diagnostic services.
Ideally, large hospitals should be equipped with MRI machines to reduce delays in patient care. However, referral systems often lead to significant delays as receiving hospitals are already overburdened. MRI machines are primarily located in academic and tertiary hospitals, with regional and district hospitals operating on a referral-based model.
Gauteng Health spokesperson Motalatale Modiba states that the department is working to modernize and strengthen MRI capacity across public health facilities. New machines have been installed at key academic hospitals, with service level agreements in place to minimize downtime and ensure prompt resolution of technical faults.
The department is committed to providing equitable access to diagnostic services across all regions and will maintain transparent communication with the public regarding service availability and improvements. The goal is to enhance diagnostic imaging capacity and improve patient care in response to growing demand.
