Gauteng Prioritizes Hospital Infrastructure Upgrades Amid Budget Constraints

Gauteng Commits to Hospital Infrastructure Revitalization

Gauteng Health and Wellness MEC Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko announced on Wednesday, October 15, 2025, that the province will prioritize infrastructure maintenance and quality refurbishments across its hospitals. Speaking at a joint media briefing in Johannesburg, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko emphasized that the initiative aims to improve the patient experience, stating that 'people get discouraged when they get to hospitals and the refurbishment that are there are not the ones that you need.'

This prioritization comes as part of the provincial government's broader efforts to address long-standing challenges within the healthcare system, including aging facilities and increasing demand for services. The MEC highlighted the need for a 'facelifting' of hospitals, particularly focusing on Accident and Emergency areas.

Addressing Systemic Challenges and Budgetary Pressures

The decision to prioritize infrastructure is rooted in the recognition that many public hospitals in Gauteng were constructed decades ago, leading to significant maintenance backlogs and operational challenges. Gauteng, with its approximately 16 million residents, experiences high demand for public healthcare services, further strained by an influx of patients from other provinces and neighboring countries. These factors contribute to the pressure on existing facilities and underscore the urgency of the announced upgrades.

Despite a R67 billion budget allocation for the 2025/26 financial year for the Gauteng Health Department, MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko acknowledged that budget cuts are impacting service provision. She noted that 'Budget for health is not enough; hospital beds have increased, but the money is still the same,' highlighting the difficulty of operating under tight fiscal conditions. The department is also grappling with a projected R4.3 billion overspend for 2025/26 and has been working to settle outstanding accruals, having paid R4.35 billion of its R8 billion accruals as of September.

Ongoing Projects and Future Developments

To spearhead these efforts, the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) has established an in-house Infrastructure Unit, tasked with developing and implementing a comprehensive maintenance and refurbishment plan. This unit collaborates closely with facility managers to expedite necessary upgrades. A sum of R100 million has been allocated in the current financial year specifically for recapitalizing critical equipment across various facilities.

Significant progress has been reported across several hospitals and clinics:

• At Mamelodi Regional Hospital, refurbished sections include the radiology department, ART waiting area, offices, eye clinic, restrooms, and triage/casualty waiting area. Female medical, male surgical, and pediatric wards have also been expanded.
• Helen Joseph Hospital's Emergency Department underwent a major overhaul, completed in May 2024, featuring new ceilings, flooring, plumbing, electrification, and an enhanced IT system.
• Kopanong Hospital has seen the unveiling of refurbished facilities with dedicated mental health services.
• At Far East Rand Hospital, upgrades to the eye clinic, maternity theatre, HIV/Aids clinic, labor ward, post-natal ward, and pharmacy are complete, with a new 22-bed mental health care unit under construction.
• Repairs to critical equipment such as boilers, chillers, and air conditioners have been undertaken at hospitals including Bertha Gxowa, Edenvale, Pretoria West, Sterkfontein, Kalafong, Charlotte Maxeke, Tambo Memorial, Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Helen Joseph, Dr Yusuf Dadoo, and Far East Rand Hospital.
• The Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, partially closed after a 2021 fire, is undergoing extensive renovations, including its mammography unit, with repairs ongoing.
• Two new clinics, Mandisa Siceka and Kekanastad, have been completed, and the Boikhutsong Day Clinic is 80% finished.

Looking ahead, the province also plans for the construction of four new hospitals in Daveyton, Diepsloot, Orange Farm, and Soshanguve, as part of its long-term strategy to meet growing healthcare demands and prepare for the National Health Insurance (NHI). The department has also made strides in stabilizing medico-legal claims, reducing contingent liability from R18 billion in 2023 to R6.9 billion in the current financial year.

Conclusion

MEC Nkomo-Ralehoko's announcement underscores Gauteng's commitment to enhancing its healthcare infrastructure. Despite financial challenges, the province is actively engaged in a multi-faceted approach involving maintenance, refurbishment, and new construction to ensure quality and accessible healthcare for its growing population. These efforts are crucial for improving patient care and preparing the healthcare system for future demands.