​The future of the healthcare system lies in the ability to produce insightful and practical research that can be translated into actionable interventions. This was the overall sentiments out of the two-day research summit hosted by the Gauteng Department of Health.
The 3rd Provincial Research and Innovation Summit looked into a data-driven agenda, bridging the gap between evidence and decision making, telemedicine, global insights and lessons from multi-country health systems reconfiguration, a one health approach, amongst other topics. 
Taking place between 27 – 28 March 2025 at the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) auditorium in Tshwane brought together healthcare professionals, researchers and policymakers including College of Medicine of South Africa, World Health Organisation, Statistics South Africa, World Federation of Chiropractic, Afro Advisory Council on Research and Microsoft among others to share best practices to shape Gauteng's healthcare system. 
The summit was held under the theme: "Health Systems Reconfiguration Towards Optimizing Governance with Sustainable Futures", which emphasises the commitment to advancing healthcare excellence through innovation and research. 
Speaking at the summit the MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko said that in a forever evolving healthcare system, the only way to stay ahead of the curve is through continuous learning, research, and innovation.
"I do not need to emphasise the importance of research in helping us to see beyond the noise. Or in helping us to move from assumption to understanding, from short-term fixes to sustainable solutions. That is why summits like this one are not optional but essential.
"In a province like ours, with its growing population, migration challenges, and complex burden of disease, we cannot afford to make decisions based on uninformed opinions or outdated models. We need the best evidence available. We need innovation that works for real people. We need partnerships that can bring impact," said the MEC.
In addition, the MEC urge the great minds gathered in the auditorium to come up with research that influences policies and services, highlighting the need to be agile and to respond to the devastating effects of non-communicable diseases, diabetes, stroke, hypertension and cancer, as well as maternal complications. 
"This is where the power of research comes in. It shines the light on the blind spots. It tells us where to invest the limited resources, where to intervene and what type of interventions are needed for maximum impact. 
"I want to make a call not just for more research, but for actionable, equity-driven, and inclusive research. Research that listens to communities. Research that breaks silos. Research that focuses on prevention, quality, and people-centred care," emphasised the MEC. 
Chairperson of the Gauteng Provincial Health Research Committee (PHRC) Prof Lekan Ayo-Yusuf said that it was important to ensure that research is not only rigorous but translational, impactful and aligned with the strategic goals of the Gauteng Department of Health emphasising the need for evidence-based decision making, innovation and sustainable health outcomes.