We are delighted to formally announce the strategic partnership between the South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association SAMDP Group Holdings (SGH) and Pristem Diagnostics South Africa (Pty) Ltd, trading as Open Diagnostics (Pty) Ltd. This is a milestone that reflects our shared commitment to making high-quality, affordable diagnostic X-ray services accessible to all South Africans – insured and uninsured alike.

Open Diagnostics is the South African subsidiary of Pristem Global Diagnostics, headquartered in Switzerland. The company was established to address one of the most pressing challenges in global healthcare: the lack of accessible, affordable, and reliable diagnostic imaging services for communities that need them most.

Open Diagnostics currently operates two fully equipped radiology centres – in Alexandra Township and at Maponya Mall in Soweto – with further expansion planned. Each centre is built around Pristem’s proprietary, patented digital X-ray technology, which has been specifically engineered to perform in challenging environments, including rural areas. The technology delivers high-quality diagnostic images at exceptionally low radiation dosage, and operates reliably through load shedding and power disruptions, ensuring uninterrupted service to patients and referring healthcare providers.

The company directly supports South Africa’s development priorities through local employment creation, community-based skills development, and expanding primary healthcare diagnostic capacity where it is needed most.

Every diagnostic X-ray performed at an Open Diagnostics centre is accompanied by a specialist radiologist’s report, delivered electronically to the referring healthcare provider – typically within 45 minutes of patient registration. This end-to-end diagnostic service means your patients receive not just an image, but a specialist-reviewed report that enables timely, informed clinical decisions on the same day.

Key service advantages include:

• Specialist radiologist report delivered electronically to the referring healthcare provider, typically within 45 minutes
• High-quality digital X-ray imaging at low radiation dosage
• Low power output – our device only needs on average 2000W of power input, which is an average power consumption of an electric kettle. It is extremely robust so that it can deal with heat, humidity and dust.
• Competitively priced – 30 to 40% below standard market rates, making quality diagnostics accessible to patients across all income levels
• Reliable, uninterrupted service – no interruption during power outages
• Convenient locations currently serving the communities of Alexandra and Soweto, with further centres to follow within South African and beyond
• Acceptance of all major medical aids, SASSA cards, and flexible payment options for uninsured patients

SAMDP Group Holdings has long championed the advancement of healthcare delivery for underserved communities. This partnership with Open Diagnostics is a natural extension of that mission. Together, we are positioned to bring hospital-level radiology services – previously out of reach for many patients – directly into the communities where our members practice.
For SAMDP members and their patients, this means a trusted, endorsed diagnostic partner that integrates seamlessly into your referral workflow – with fast turnaround, consistent quality, and pricing that removes barriers to care.

Over the coming weeks, we will be sharing more information about how your practice can engage with this partnership – including educational events at our centres and exciting opportunities that lie ahead. We look forward to welcoming you and your staff to our centres and demonstrating first-hand what this partnership means in practice.

This is only the beginning. We are committed to growing access to quality diagnostics across South Africa, and we are proud to be building that future together.

Yours sincerely,

Dr Nkateko Munisi
Chief Executive Officer
South African Medical and Dental Practitioners Association (SAMDP) Group Holdings

Mrs Yvonne Motsisi
Chief Executive Officer
Pristem Diagnostics South Africa (Pty) Ltd,
trading as Open Diagnostics