​Bonolo Pitse
 
The newly installed hybrid Cath-Lab machine at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) is set to significantly enhance the hospital's diagnostic capabilities, improve patient safety, and reinforce its commitment to providing high-quality healthcare services. 
The new equipment is versatile, enabling DGMAH to perform a wider range of medical procedures, including neurovascular, vascular, and cardiology treatments. Unlike the previous machine, which was primarily dedicated to cardiology procedures, the new hybrid system's capabilities extend to other specialties, making it a valuable tool for multidisciplinary care. 
The Cath-Lab is designed to enhance two key aspects – "care" and "clear". According to Lebogang Moatshe, a diagnostic radiographer at the hospital, 'care' refers to the machine's ability to reduce radiation doses, ensuring safer procedures for patients, while 'clear' emphasises the high-quality imaging that enables more accurate diagnoses. This dual focus on safety and clarity ensures that patients receive not only effective treatment but also a reduced risk of long-term health effects associated with radiation exposure.
Dr. Ramahahle Mahahle, a cardiologist at DGMAH, emphasised that the new Cath-Lab machine will boost service delivery by enabling healthcare professionals from various specialties to collaborate more effectively.
"Initially, we could only perform cardiology procedures, but now, with this hybrid machine, we can also conduct neurovascular and vascular procedures," said Mahahle. 
The machine's advanced imaging and procedural capabilities foster greater collaboration between doctors, diagnostic radiographers, and other medical specialists, ultimately improving patient care and allowing for more comprehensive treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs.
A key feature of the new hybrid Cath-Lab is its safety-focused design. While the machine uses high radiation doses to produce detailed images, Siemens has equipped it with leg shielding to protect both patients and staff from unnecessary radiation exposure. Additionally, DGMAH staff are provided with the necessary protective equipment (lab gowns and radiation goggles), further enhancing safety measures and ensuring that the team operates under the highest safety standards during procedures.
With the installation of this advanced equipment, DGMAH is now utilising the same cutting-edge technology found in leading hospitals worldwide. Moatshe notes, "Previously, we had a Cath-Lab and a biplane from another company, but now, with the new Siemens machine, we are using more advanced and dose-efficient technology." This upgrade represents a significant leap forward for the hospital, bringing it in line with global best practices and setting a new benchmark for medical innovation in South Africa. 
The new hybrid Cath-Lab machine marks a significant advancement in the hospital's diagnostic and treatment capabilities. With enhanced imaging quality, reduced radiation exposure, and versatility across multiple medical specialties, the machine will not only improve patient care but also enable safer, more efficient procedures. DGMAH's investment in this state-of-the-art equipment reaffirms its position as a pioneer in healthcare technology, striving to provide the highest standard of care to its patients.