Welcome to the Department of Nuclear Medicine
The Department of Nuclear Medicine within the Faculty of Health Sciences at the University of the Free State (UFS) is a leading academic and clinical unit committed to advancing molecular imaging, precision diagnostics, and patient-centred care in central South Africa. By integrating advanced nuclear medicine technologies with clinical expertise, the department plays a critical role in improving diagnostic accuracy, disease staging, and personalised treatment planning across a wide range of clinical disciplines.
The department provides specialised diagnostic and therapeutic nuclear medicine services to both the public and private healthcare sectors and serves as a key referral centre for the Free State and surrounding provinces. Clinical services are delivered across Universitas Hospital and Annex Hospital, ensuring broad regional access to advanced molecular imaging within a diverse and resource-challenged healthcare environment.
The Department of Nuclear Medicine is led by Dr Gerrit Engelbrecht, a Nuclear Medicine physician with over three decades of clinical, academic, and leadership experience. Under his leadership, the department has demonstrated sustained growth, innovation, and a strong commitment to clinical excellence, academic integrity, and the responsible adoption of advanced nuclear medicine technologies.
Infrastructure Development and Technological Advancement
In 2025, the Department of Health implemented a comprehensive refurbishment of the Department of Nuclear Medicine, significantly enhancing its clinical, training, and patient care environment. As part of this upgrade, two Siemens Pro.Specta SPECT/CT systems were installed at Universitas Hospital, strengthening hybrid imaging capability and supporting high-quality diagnostic services.
A further major milestone was the opening of a dedicated PET/CT imaging centre at Annex Hospital, equipped with a cutting-edge digital Siemens Biograph PET/CT system. This development represents a significant expansion of advanced molecular imaging capacity within the Free State.
Recognition and Clinical Excellence
In recognition of its high standards of practice, clinical expertise, and commitment to quality, the Department of Nuclear Medicine was recognised as an ICPO Diagnostic Centre of Excellence (International Centres of Precision Oncology).
Teaching
Teaching within the Department of Nuclear Medicine forms an integral part of the Faculty of Health Sciences’ educational mission, contributing to undergraduate medical and allied health curricula through lectures, tutorials, case-based discussions, and clinical exposure.
Training
The department provides structured postgraduate and in-service training for nuclear medicine registrars, technologists, and allied health professionals in accordance with the requirements of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).