If you’re searching for a hospital in South Africa, it’s crucial to know about the largest and most equipped facilities available.
South Africa is home to some of the largest hospitals in the world, offering a wide range of medical services and specialties.
These hospitals are equipped with the latest medical technologies and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring that patients receive the best possible care.
Whether you need routine medical treatment, specialized care, or emergency services, understanding the capabilities of these major hospitals can help you make an informed decision.
This guide will walk you though the biggest hospitals in South Africa, highlighting their key services, specialties, and what sets them apart.
Biggest Hospital in South Africa
The biggest hospital in South Africa is the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital. The facility boasts 6,760 staff members, 3,400 beds, and covers an area of 70 hectares (approximately 170 acres).
It is situated in the Soweto area south of Johannesburg and is one of the 40 Gauteng provincial hospitals, funded and managed by the Gauteng Provincial Health Department​​.
Biggest Public Sector Hospitals in South Africa
1. Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, Johannesburg
Chris Hani Baragwanath Academic Hospital, situated in Johannesburg, stands as one of the globe’s largest health facilities.
This hospital caters to a vast population of over 3.5 million individuals, providing a wide array of medical services across numerous specialties.
With its substantial capacity of approximately 3,200 beds, it plays a crucial role in South Africa’s healthcare system.
The hospital is not only a primary care provider but also a key center for medical research and training, contributing significantly to the advancement of medical knowledge and practices within the region.
2. Steve Biko Academic Hospital, Pretoria
Steve Biko Academic Hospital, located in Pretoria, is a cornerstone of medical excellence in South Africa, boasting around 1,200 beds.
Renowned for its extensive range of medical specialties, this hospital serves as a pivotal academic and healthcare institution.
It provides advanced medical care, including complex surgeries and innovative treatments, making it a referral center for numerous medical conditions.
The hospital’s commitment to quality healthcare is matched by its role in medical education and research, where it nurtures future healthcare professionals.
3. Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital, Durban
Inkosi Albert Luthuli Central Hospital in Durban is the largest hospital in KwaZulu-Natal, with a capacity of approximately 845 beds.
This hospital is at the forefront of providing advanced medical treatments and is renowned for its use of cutting-edge technology in patient care.
It offers a wide range of medical services, specializing in areas such as cardiology, oncology, and neurosurgery.
The hospital’s emphasis on integrating modern technology with healthcare services significantly enhances the quality of care and treatment outcomes for patients.
4. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital, a major healthcare facility in Johannesburg, provides quaternary and tertiary care across a broad spectrum of medical fields.
With around 1,000 beds, it serves as a crucial referral center for complex medical cases, offering specialized treatments and services.
The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology and staffed by highly trained professionals, ensuring high-quality care for patients.
It also plays a significant role in medical education and research, contributing to the development of medical knowledge and practices.
5. Tygerberg Hospital, Cape Town
Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town is the largest healthcare facility in the Western Cape, with a capacity of 1,300 beds.
This hospital is renowned for its comprehensive healthcare services, covering a wide range of medical specialties.
It serves as a key referral center for the region, providing critical care, specialized treatments, and a variety of medical services to a large patient population.
The hospital is also an important academic center, involved in medical education and research, which helps in advancing healthcare practices.
6. Universitas Academic Hospital, Bloemfontein
Universitas Academic Hospital in Bloemfontein is central South Africa’s largest medical facility, boasting about 1,200 beds.
This hospital serves a critical role in the healthcare system by providing a wide range of medical services, from routine care to advanced treatments in specialties such as surgery, internal medicine, and pediatrics.
Its status as an academic hospital underscores its commitment to medical education and research, contributing to the growth of healthcare knowledge and the training of future healthcare professionals.
7. Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, Ga-Rankuwa
Dr. George Mukhari Academic Hospital, located in Ga-Rankuwa, is a significant tertiary healthcare institution with around 1,500 beds.
It provides a broad spectrum of medical services, catering to a diverse patient population.
The hospital is equipped with advanced medical technology, enabling it to offer specialized treatments and procedures across various disciplines.
As an academic hospital, it plays a vital role in medical education and research, fostering the development of healthcare professionals and contributing to medical advancements.
8. Kimberley Hospital Complex, Kimberley
Kimberley Hospital Complex stands as the principal medical facility in the Northern Cape, with approximately 980 beds.
This hospital provides essential healthcare services across a broad range of specialties, addressing the needs of the region’s population.
It is equipped with modern medical technology and staffed by skilled healthcare professionals, ensuring quality patient care.
The hospital’s role extends beyond service delivery to include contributions to medical education and training, highlighting its comprehensive approach to healthcare.
9. Pelonomi Regional Hospital, Bloemfontein
Pelonomi Regional Hospital, situated in Bloemfontein, serves the Mangaung metro area with approximately 950 beds.
This hospital is essential for providing primary and specialized healthcare services to the local community.
It offers a range of medical services, from emergency care to specialized treatments, supported by a team of dedicated healthcare professionals.
The hospital’s infrastructure and facilities enable it to address the diverse healthcare needs of the population effectively.
10. Polokwane Provincial Hospital, Polokwane
Polokwane Provincial Hospital is the largest healthcare facility in Limpopo, with around 850 beds, offering a comprehensive range of medical services to the region’s population.
This hospital is equipped to provide high-quality care across various medical specialties, including emergency services, surgery, and pediatrics.
The hospital plays a crucial role in the regional healthcare system, not only by providing essential medical services but also by acting as a referral center for complex cases.
Biggest Private Sector Hospitals in South Africa
11. Mediclinic Panorama, Cape Town
Mediclinic Panorama in Cape Town, established in 1986, is renowned for its advanced medical facilities and equipment.
This private hospital offers a wide range of healthcare services, including specialized treatments in cardiology, oncology, and neurology.
With its commitment to providing high-quality care, the hospital employs state-of-the-art technology and is staffed by experienced healthcare professionals.
The environment is designed to ensure patient comfort and safety, making it a preferred choice for medical care in the region.
12. Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital, KwaZulu-Natal
Busamed Hillcrest Private Hospital in KwaZulu-Natal is known for its high patient satisfaction rates, attributed to its exceptional medical care and patient services.
This modern facility offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services, including general surgery, maternity care, and specialized treatments.
The hospital’s focus on creating a patient-centered environment, combined with its use of advanced medical technologies, ensures that patients receive personalized and effective medical care.
13. Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital, Durban
Ahmed Al-Kadi Private Hospital in Durban is distinguished by its state-of-the-art facilities and its location in a safe, accessible neighborhood.
This hospital offers comprehensive healthcare services, with a focus on employing the latest medical technologies and practices.
Its specialties include surgical procedures, maternity care, and various other medical disciplines.
The hospital is dedicated to providing a holistic approach to healthcare, ensuring that patients receive not only advanced medical treatments but also compassionate care.
14. Cormed Clinic, Vanderbijlpark
Cormed Clinic in Vanderbijlpark provides a range of healthcare services, including general surgical procedures and a dedicated maternity ward.
This private healthcare facility is known for its personalized approach to patient care, ensuring that each patient receives tailored treatment plans.
The clinic is equipped with modern medical equipment, and its staff comprises skilled healthcare professionals committed to providing high-quality care.
15. Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre, Durban
Lenmed Ethekwini Hospital and Heart Centre in Durban specializes in heart, lung, and kidney transplants, among other advanced medical treatments.
With 377 beds, this facility is equipped to provide high-level care in various medical specialties.
The hospital’s reputation for excellence in specialized treatments is supported by its use of cutting-edge medical technology and its team of highly qualified medical professionals.
16. Life Bay View Private Hospital, Mossel Bay
Life Bay View Private Hospital, located in Mossel Bay, is a 147-bed facility known for its high standard of professional medical care.
This hospital offers a wide range of healthcare services, including emergency, surgical, and specialized medical care.
The facility is equipped with advanced medical technology, ensuring that patients receive the best possible treatments.
The hospital prides itself on its patient-centered approach, focusing on providing compassionate care alongside clinical excellence.
17. Mediclinic Hoogland, Bethlehem
Mediclinic Hoogland in Bethlehem is a private healthcare facility that provides comprehensive care, including a 24-hour emergency center.
This hospital is equipped with modern medical facilities and offers a broad spectrum of healthcare services, from general medical care to specialized surgeries.
The hospital’s commitment to quality care is evident in its continuous investment in the latest medical technologies and its team of experienced healthcare professionals.
18. Melomed Bellville Medical Centre, Cape Town
Melomed Bellville Medical Centre in Cape Town features 123 beds, ultra-modern theaters, and comprehensive emergency services.
This private healthcare facility offers a wide range of medical services, including specialized treatments and surgeries.
The hospital is known for its state-of-the-art equipment and highly skilled medical staff, ensuring that patients receive advanced and effective medical care.
19. Netcare Moot Hospital, Pretoria
Netcare Moot Hospital in Pretoria is known for its comfortable atmosphere and quality medical care.
This private hospital offers a variety of healthcare services, including general medical care, surgery, and specialized treatments.
The facility is designed to provide a calming environment for patients and their families, contributing to a positive healing experience.
20. Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital, Pretoria
Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria is a non-profit center with a long history of providing quality healthcare services.
With 139 beds and over 400 employees, this hospital offers a wide range of medical services, including specialized care.
The hospital’s commitment to healthcare excellence is supported by its experienced staff and the use of advanced medical technologies.