For hundreds of men, a simple PSA test could be the first step towards detecting prostate cancer early—and Urology Hospital (UH), Pretoria is making it free. Marking 30 years of specialised urological care, UH is giving back to the community by offering 300 free Prostate-Specific Antigen (PSA) screenings on 16 October, in partnership with Medhold, Ampath, Pathcare and Lancet. The initiative aims to help more men take action against prostate cancer—the most common cancer affecting South African men, with a lifetime risk of approximately one in 17, according to CANSA.
“The need for early detection is particularly urgent among Black South African men”, says Dr Kabo Ijane, UH Urologist and Africa’s first black robotic surgeon. One in four will develop prostate cancer in their lifetime, compared with one in eight white men. Black African men also face a 60% higher risk of developing the disease and are 2.5 times more likely to die from it, while prostate cancer accounts for about 13% of all cancer deaths among South African men.
Dr Ijane explains, “A PSA test can flag prostate abnormalities and indicate whether further investigation is needed, yet PSA testing is not routinely measured in men presenting at public hospitals. By offering free screenings, Urology Hospital is making a tangible impact by removing a barrier to early detection and giving more men an opportunity to take action for their health.”
The PSA screenings form part of a broader programme of community initiatives. “Urology Hospital will continue partnering with NGOs and community organisations, including long-standing collaborator Operation Healing Hands for a Charity Golf Day on 3 November 2026, raising funds to help patients who need urological treatment but cannot afford specialist care,” says André Meiring, Chief Executive Officer of UH. The event carries added significance as Operation Healing Hands celebrates its 10th anniversary.
Meiring says, “UH’s commitment to giving back reflects three decades of progress in urological medicine.” Established in 1996, it has grown from a small specialist facility into a nationally recognised centre of excellence and Africa’s only dedicated urology hospital. UH was the first hospital in South Africa to perform robotic surgery and has continued to advance care through minimally invasive, laparoscopic and robotic-assisted procedures, alongside innovations including robotic pharmacy picking and one of only a handful of 3D laparoscopic surgical units in the country.
Meiring adds, “But the true measure of 30 years is the people behind the milestones. Hundreds of thousands of patients and their families have entrusted their care to generations of UH’s urologists, specialists, nurses and support teams. Every procedure, recovery and cancer journey has shaped a legacy built on care, expertise and better outcomes. “30 Years of Caring” is therefore more than a celebration of the past—it is a commitment to extending that care into the communities Urology Hospital serves.”
It is a commitment that continues to define Urology Hospital: Driven by Care, Defined by Impact and Powered by Innovation.
For more information, contact Urology Hospital on 012 423 4000 or email lebom@urology.co.za.
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Media contact: Farah Manuel on 076 051 4233 or farah@werisecommunications.co.za
Hospital contact: Lebo Mangcwatywa on 012 423 4069 or lebom@urology.co.za
Visit www.urology.co.za and follow Urology Hospital, Pretoria on all social media platforms.
Urology Hospital, Pretoria
Urology Hospital, the only specialised hospital of its kind anywhere in Africa, has been in existence for more than 30 years as a centre of excellence in its field. With more than 25 urologists under one roof, it offers unparalleled expertise in urology using the latest highly specialised technology. The hospital specialises in the treatment of male, female and paediatric urological conditions, nephrology and urogynaecology.
One of the highlights of Urology Hospital is its commitment to ongoing research, medical education, and training. Our specialists maintain association with the academic world to stay up to date with the latest developments in urology.
The hospital has also been at the forefront of innovative surgical techniques, being the first in South Africa to perform robotic surgery and implementing a robotic pharmacy picking system. Additionally, they have one of the few 3D laparoscopic surgical units in the country.
With major renovations, Urology Hospital now offers 127 beds and 8 theatres. Being a specialised hospital, it provides dedicated care and focused attention to its patients. Our patients can expect a dedicated service with focused attention from our team of experienced doctors and elite medical and administrative staff. We offer rapid access to an expert opinion and provide our patients with the most appropriate medical care.
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