By Becker Semela:
Children with heart conditions in the Free State now have access to world-class cardiac care closer to home following the opening of a new Paediatric Cardiology Catheterisation Laboratory at Universitas Academic Hospital (UAH) in Bloemfontein.
The Free State Department of Health officially launched the state-of-the-art facility at the Universitas Hospital in Bloemfontein.
Health MEC Menyatso Mahlatsi told NewsSa on Saturday that the R33 million laboratory started to operate on Wednesday after officially opening on Tuesday.
He said the lab is designed to provide advanced, minimally invasive heart procedures for children, as well as reducing the need for patients to travel long distances for specialised treatment.
“The modern facility is equipped with digital technology that allows healthcare professionals to diagnose and treat heart conditions more quickly and safely. It is fully integrated with the province’s Health Management System (HMS²), Electronic Medical Records (EMR) and Picture Archiving and Communication System (PACS), ensuring seamless patient care and better record management,” Mahlatsi said.
He added that the project reflects the department’s commitment to providing quality healthcare through innovation and technology.
“This milestone shows our commitment to quality care through digitisation and advanced health technology, bringing safer, faster and closer-to-home services for our children.
The R33 million paediatric catheterisation laboratory forms part of a broader healthcare modernisation programme aimed at improving access to specialised services across the province,” said Mahlatsi.
Head of Department Ernest Mohlahlo highlighted several major technology projects currently underway.
“These include the rollout of HMS² across hospitals, the replacement of outdated radiology equipment, the expansion of cardiac services, advanced imaging technology and new surgical innovations.
The department has already made significant progress with digital healthcare; HMS², an in-house Electronic Medical Records System, is now operational in 19 of the province’s 33 hospitals,” explained Mohlahlo.
He said the system improves patient documentation, supports better clinical decisions and strengthens communication between healthcare teams.
Mohlahlo said his department’s efforts in digital health recently received continental recognition when the Free State won a Digital Innovation Award at the Africa Tech Awards held in Cape Town in May 2026.
He said other major healthcare investments include:
New adult cardiac catheterisation laboratories valued at R51 million.
Interventional radiology services worth R28 million.
A new MRI scanner for Pelonomi Hospital costing R28 million.
A cutting-edge PET-CT scanner at Universitas Academic Hospital to improve cancer diagnosis.
The Versius Surgical Robotic System for precise minimally invasive surgery.
PEA POD technology to support the care of newborn babies.
A newly equipped maternity ward at Pelonomi Hospital featuring R60 million worth of advanced theatre technology.
“We believe these investments will have a direct impact on patient care, faster diagnosis and treatment can help reduce complications and shorten hospital stays.
Digitised records improve patient tracking and reduce administrative errors, while modern imaging systems allow doctors to access critical information more efficiently,” Mohlahlo said.
He emphasised that the expansion of specialised services within the province means that many patients will no longer need to travel far from home to receive advanced medical care. This will help reduce waiting times and improve access to life-saving treatment.
“The opening of the Paediatric Cardiology Catheterisation Laboratory marks another important step in the department’s journey towards a modern, technology-driven healthcare system that places patients at the centre of care,” said Mohlahlo. – @NewsSA_Online
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