by MTHULISI SIBANDA
JOHANNESBURG, (CAJ News) – SOUTH Africa’s healthcare sector is transitioning to a more predictive, data-driven model of care, underpinned by artificial intelligence-assisted diagnostics, interoperable digital patient records and connected medical devices.
However, the shift from reactive treatment to earlier intervention cannot be determined by technology alone.
It will depend on digital tools that can demonstrate clinical value, integrate safely into care pathways and meet the regulatory requirements governing their use.
These issues will take centre stage at the World Health Expo (WHX) 2026 in Johannesburg, formerly Africa Health, taking place from October 6–8.
Returning to Johannesburg following two editions in Cape Town, WHX is to bring together healthcare providers, laboratory and diagnostic professionals, technology suppliers, policymakers, investors, distributors and regulatory stakeholders from across South Africa, the Southern African Development Community (SADC) region and international markets.
In addition to its exhibition, WHX will host three specialist indabas addressing the operational, clinical and commercial issues shaping African healthcare.
The Healthcare Excellence Indaba will provide a forum for senior healthcare leaders and decision-makers to explore strategies for building resilient, future-ready health systems.
The programme will cover the modernisation of hospital infrastructure, global health priorities, ethical governance in decision-making and how digital transformation, including the responsible adoption of data-driven technologies, can support the development of smarter hospitals.
“AI and related innovations offer significant opportunities to improve health in Africa and globally, but their adoption must maximise benefits while preventing avoidable harm,” Professor Edward Kunonga, Chair of the Healthcare Excellence Indaba and Strategic Advisor, Global Health, Durham, United Kingdom, said.
“Local validation on South African and African patient populations is essential, as is testing the technology within real healthcare systems, with clear accountability and meaningful human oversight. If introduced responsibly, AI can strengthen clinical practice, build trust and improve diagnosis without leaving less-connected communities behind,” Kunonga added.
The Labs Leadership Indaba will be held in partnership with the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), focusing on laboratory innovation, diagnostics and the future of laboratory networks.
The Quality Management and Patient Safety Indaba, held in partnership with the Council for Health Service Accreditation of Southern Africa (COHSASA), will bring quality, accreditation and patient-safety considerations to the fore.
Jackie Stewart, Chief Executive Officer, COHSASA, and Prof. Tenza, Associate Professor of Patient Safety and Healthcare Quality, North-West University, said technology could enhance efficiency.
“For South Africa, where there are challenges of overcrowded facilities, long queues and shortages of staff, including shortages of medical specialists, technology could be used to fast-track some activities,” they stated.
However, technology or AI should serve as a healthcare practitioner’s assistant, not a decision-maker.
“Healthcare organisations must ensure that they have robust quality and patient safety systems in place before adding AI. The upcoming WHX Johannesburg will be a great opportunity to showcase current technological approaches to healthcare solutions,” the experts commented.
– CAJ News