IN a significant advancement for healthcare in South Africa, the country’s first pay-per-use PET-CT scanner has been commissioned in Rustenburg, North West Province. This state-of-the-art diagnostic tool, installed by Equipment-as-a-Service (EASE) in collaboration with Nuclear Med Group, aims to provide advanced medical imaging services to patients across South Africa and neighbouring countries, including Zimbabwe, Namibia, and Botswana.
The PET-CT scanner is housed at the Precision Nuclear Oncology and Theranostics (PNOAT) facility, a hub for cutting-edge cancer diagnostics. This marks EASE’s second installation of advanced medical technology in South Africa and its first PET-CT deployment in Africa, reflecting the company’s commitment to expanding access to life-saving healthcare technologies in underserved communities.
Advanced technology for improved diagnosis
PET-CT scanners combine Positron Emission Tomography (PET) with Computed Tomography (CT) to provide precise cellular-level imaging. This integration enables earlier disease detection, customised treatment plans, and real-time monitoring of treatment progress, particularly for cancer, neurological, and cardiac conditions.
‘The PET-CT scanner significantly enhances our ability to diagnose and treat cancer patients,’ said Dr. Phumudzo Nemutaduni, a leading nuclear physician and head of Nuclear Med Group. ‘Thanks to EASE’s pay-per-use model, we can now access this cutting-edge technology without the burden of upfront costs, which empowers us to extend life-saving care to more patients.’
Expanding access across Southern Africa
The installation is expected to benefit over 5.4 million residents in the North West Province while providing easier access for patients from nearby countries. By reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialised care, the PET-CT scanner not only improves healthcare outcomes but also minimises costs.
EASE’s innovative pay-per-use model is transforming the acquisition of advanced medical equipment by eliminating significant upfront capital investments. ‘Our goal is to make modern medical equipment accessible across Africa through our innovative model,’ said Imraan Soomra, CEO of EASE. ‘With four installations already in South Africa and Ghana, we are committed to further expanding access to life-saving technologies.’
Addressing healthcare gaps
For regions like the North West Province, where access to advanced diagnostic tools has been limited, this development represents a significant milestone. The new PET-CT scanner enhances the capabilities of the Nuclear Med Group, which has long provided nuclear medicine imaging and therapy using gamma cameras.
‘Partnering with visionaries like Dr. Phumudzo aligns with our mission to empower those shaping a better future,’ said Dr. Kanyinsola Oyeyinka, Vice President of Healthcare at EASE. ‘This milestone not only transforms access to advanced imaging technology but also enables providers to deliver even better care to patients in need.’
A model for inclusive growth
By introducing this pioneering pay-per-use model, EASE continues to redefine how healthcare facilities across Africa acquire and utilise cutting-edge medical technology. With maintenance, training, and support integrated into the service, EASE ensures that facilities like PNOAT can focus on patient care while benefiting from state-of-the-art equipment.
This installation highlights the potential for technology-driven solutions to bridge healthcare gaps and improve outcomes for millions across Southern Africa.
