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Steve Biko Academic Hospital entrance.
Steve Biko Academic Hospital in Pretoria is currently experiencing temporary delays in surgical services after its heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) systems malfunctioned.
The Gauteng Department of Health says the failure has affected theatre operations but contingency measures, including the use of external theatres and on-site contractors, have been put in place to ensure patient care continues.
Health Department spokesperson Kealeboga Mohajane says this has been an ongoing challenge as the equipment dates back to 2006.
However, Mohajane says the hospital is prioritising urgent interventions.
“It is only recently where we have had a significant portion of the theatre complex being impacted which has resulted in an additional slowdown. However, work will continue to resume with the contractors, and we should see a shift. And we wish to really urge the community to understand that emergencies are still ongoing and over time, we will resume with the standard elective procedures.”
MEDIA STATEMENT || CONTIGENCY MEASURES IMPLEMENTED TO RESOLVE SURGICAL DELAYS AT STEVE BIKO ACADEMIC HOSPITAL pic.twitter.com/tQMR4BhbUC
— Gauteng Health (@GautengHealth) February 18, 2026
