Cape Town, South Africa – March 2026 - Life Healthcare has launched a state-of-the-art digital PET-CT scanner at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital in Cape Town, in collaboration with GE HealthCare, marking a significant step forward to access to advanced cancer diagnostics in the Western Cape. 

This is the first digital PET-CT scanner in the Life Healthcare Group and only the second privately operated PET-CT scanner in the province. Its introduction expands access to highly specialised cancer imaging in a region where demand continues to grow. The hospital recently marked its 100th PET-CT scan since the service became operational. 

 “Nuclear medicine and specifically PET-CT, plays a critical role in modern cancer diagnosis,” says Dr Bruce Young, nuclear physician at TheraMed Nuclear, in partnership with Life Healthcare. “PET-CT provides highly detailed insights into both the structure and the metabolic activity of caner, offering information that conventional imaging cannot.  By combining anatomical CT imaging and functional PET imaging, we can more accurately locate tumours, determine disease extent and personalise treatment plans – often enabling more targeted and less invasive interventions  

Imran Farid, GE HealthCare’s General Manager for Africa, adds: “Our collaboration with Life Healthcare demonstrates how advanced digital innovation can support oncologists in earlier, more precise diagnosis and more personalised cancer care. By combining leading-edge imaging technology with strong clinical partnerships, we are helping to strengthen oncology pathways and improve outcomes for patients in the region. 

PET-CT is widely recommended in international clinical guidelines, including those of the European Association of Nuclear Medicine (EANM), for cancer diagnosis, staging and treatment response  assessment. When appropriately utilised, PET-CT has shown to change cancer staging or management in up to 30% of certain cancers compared with conventional imaging - underscoring its tangible clinical impact and the importance of expanding access for South African patients. 

The launch of the PET-CT unit at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital forms part of Life Healthcare’s broader oncology strategy to build an integrated, end-to-end “molecule-to-recovery” model- spanning isotope production, advanced diagnostics, radiotherapy and treatment delivery. 

“While PET-CT is widely used in many global oncology centres, access in South Africa remains constrained,” says Pete Wharton-Hood, Chief Executive of Life Healthcare. “We are committed to closing this gap by expanding capacity and enabling appropriate clinical use of this critical diagnostic technology,” says Peter Wharton-Hood, Chief Executive of Life Healthcare. By expanding our PET-CT network beyond Gauteng into the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal, we are addressing a clear infrastructure gap while advancing a more integrated, patient-centred oncology platform.” 

The addition of Life Healthcare’s first digital PET-CT at Life Vincent Pallotti Hospital expands the Group’s national PET-CT footprint to four, with three scanners currently operational in Gauteng. Two additional PET-CT scanners are expected to be launched in KwaZulu-Natal later in 2026.  

In parallel with geographic expansion, the Group is investing in essential enabling infrastructure, including the development of two cyclotrons through a joint venture to support local isotope production – a critical enabler of sustainable PET-CT services. 

This expansion supports the Group’s strategy to diversify into high-growth, high-impact diagnostic services while strengthening its position as a leading integrated oncology provider in South Africa. 

Patients are encouraged to consult with their treating specialists and medical aid providers about the potential benefits of PET-CT scans in their cancer diagnosis and treatment journey.