​Staff Writer
Gauteng is rewriting the narrative of public healthcare with infrastructure upgrades and digital innovations, ensuring faster, more efficient, and patient-centered care. 
Delivering the State of the Province Address (SOPA) on 24 February 2025, in Tshwane, Premier Panyaza Lesufi outlined the province's hospital refurbishments, surgical backlog reduction, and technology-driven healthcare transformation, marking a new era in service delivery.
Over the past year, the province has completed central Intensive Care Unit (ICU) refurbishments at Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital (CHBAH), Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH), and Jubilee District Hospital, reinforcing critical care capacity. 
Additional maintenance and upgrades at Tembisa, Leratong, and Kopanong Hospitals are improving Accident and Emergency services and neonatal care, ensuring that patients receive timely and quality treatment.
Through the Gauteng Department of Health, the province is accelerating the digitisation of healthcare, with over 486 000 patient records at CHBAH now converted into digital records and the project expanding to Thelle Mogoerane and Sebokeng Hospitals. A Queue Management System at Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital is live. These innovations are helping reduce waiting times, streamlining care, and securing patient data.
Gauteng is also modernising forensic pathology services by introducing a new fingerprint identification system. This technology will help identify unknown deceased individuals faster, reduce the number of unclaimed bodies, and assist families in locating their loved ones efficiently. With improved morgue management and forensic investigations, the province is strengthening its ability to provide dignified and efficient forensic services.
"We are not just fixing buildings; we are modernising healthcare to ensure no patient is left behind," said Lesufi.
With over 40 000 surgical procedures completed to clear backlogs, Gauteng's healthcare transformation is not just a promise, it's a reality, bringing better, faster, and more competent healthcare to all.