Leading private hospital group Netcare is significantly expanding its mental healthcare footprint across South Africa. They have plans for new Akeso facilities in Pretoria, Polokwane, and Alberlito. This expansion emphasises the commitment to Netcare mental health services. Demand for quality mental health support continues to rise nationwide.
Responding to growing mental health needs
Growing demand for mental health services in the broader Tshwane region has prompted Netcare to open the new Netcare Akeso Montana facility. It will boast 88 beds in October 2026. Netcare will further reinforce its national presence by opening the 80-bed Akeso Alberlito facility in March 2027.
Additionally, Netcare is constructing a new Akeso hospital in Polokwane, adding another 87 beds to its mental healthcare capacity. These strategic investments underscore the company's dedication to broadening access and pursuing new opportunities within this crucial sector.
Strong financial performance fuels Netcare's strategic growth
Robust financial results support Netcare's commitment to expansion. The company reported a significant 20% increase in adjusted headline earnings per share, reaching 58.8c for the six months ending March. Total revenue also rose 5.3% to R12.6 billion. Reflecting this positive performance, Netcare declared an interim dividend of 36c per share.
Total capital expenditure, including strategic projects like the new mental health facilities, amounted to R434 million. The group estimates its total capital expenditure for the 2025 financial year to be approximately R1.5 billion. This signals continued investment in its healthcare infrastructure.
Digital transformation: Enhancing patient care and efficiency
Beyond physical expansion, Netcare is also investing heavily in a comprehensive digital strategy. This strategy aims to improve operational efficiencies and transform healthcare delivery. The current phase of this rollout focuses on developing predictive analytics capabilities.
Dr Richard Friedman, Netcare’s CEO, highlighted significant progress. He noted the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority's approval of an algorithm for the early detection of sepsis (bloodstream infections) in ICU patients. He said this innovation enables earlier clinical interventions and enhances patient care and outcomes meaningfully. Friedman added that a newly deployed advanced analytics platform now provides clinical teams with real-time, actionable insights. These digital advancements will reduce the cost per clinical event, lower morbidity and mortality rates, and improve overall efficiency.
Netcare will roll out the next phase of its digital transformation, a "person-centred health and care" initiative, over the next three to four years. Friedman explained that this initiative will empower patients with direct access to their health records. This encourages patients to engage more meaningfully in their care, ensuring the treatment they receive aligns with their needs and preferences.
This dual approach of expanding physical infrastructure and leveraging digital innovation positions Netcare to continue playing a vital role. They are ready to address South Africa's evolving healthcare landscape, particularly in the critically important mental health field.