Transforming Healthcare Access in South Africa
In a quiet corner of East London, Eastern Cape, Anith Chacko found himself reflecting on a fundamental truth: many women in South Africa — particularly those in rural and underserved areas — face overwhelming barriers to essential healthcare. As a radiologist working in private practice, Dr. Chacko had seen the stark inequities in the healthcare system up close, and the missing piece was clear — access to timely, accurate, and affordable mammography.
Too often, women with no symptoms, no family history, and no warning signs were only diagnosed with breast cancer when it was already too late. For Dr. Chacko, this didn’t feel right, nor did it feel fair. It wasn’t just a gap in service; it was a public health crisis. This insight sparked a vision — a mobile solution that could travel to those who needed care the most, offering early detection without the barriers of geography, affordability, or access.
Thus, Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging SA was born.
Founded in January 2023, Radhiant is South Africa’s first fully mobile mammography company. But its mission goes beyond just providing screenings; it’s driven by the powerful purpose of addressing equity, access, and early detection, particularly in a country where these basic healthcare rights are too often out of reach for those living in remote areas.
A Vision Rooted in Equity
“We’re delivering high-quality mammography directly to where women live or work, removing logistical, financial, and even psychological barriers,” explains Dr. Chacko, the Founder and CEO of Radhiant. “This isn’t just about making screenings accessible — it’s about changing the narrative surrounding healthcare in South Africa.”
Radhiant’s technology stands out as a key factor in its success. The company uses state-of-the-art 3D mammography with tomosynthesis, offering significantly more accuracy than traditional 2D systems, especially for women with dense breast tissue. The real innovation, however, lies in its mobility. Radhiant’s units are fully off-the-grid and capable of reaching even the most remote corners of the country.
“We’ve integrated cutting-edge technology into a national network that seamlessly connects with RIS/PACS platforms for imaging, reporting, and communications,” Dr. Chacko explains. The mobile units are compact enough to navigate small towns and rural areas, yet designed with patient comfort and safety in mind, making the entire experience both practical and positive.
A Unique Service Focused on Prevention
Unlike many radiology practices in South Africa, Radhiant’s focus is on true preventative care rather than diagnostic mammography. This distinction is crucial because early detection can save lives. By going beyond the traditional healthcare system and directly targeting women in underserved areas, Radhiant provides a service that is both timely and life-changing.
“We aren’t just identifying cancer when it’s already a serious problem; we’re catching it before it becomes life-threatening,” Dr. Chacko says. One of the company’s standout cases involved a woman who had no symptoms but won a free mammogram at a wellness event. The test detected early-stage breast cancer, which was then treated effectively.
Scaling Innovation: Radhiant’s Growing Impact
Radhiant’s impact has been rapid and profound. By September 2024, the growing demand required Dr. Chacko’s full-time dedication, transforming what started as a modest mission into a full-fledged healthcare revolution. As of now, the company has served over 10,000 patients and established partnerships with key healthcare providers such as BankMed, MedShield, and Medicross South Africa.
These partnerships are critical in expanding Radhiant’s reach, and as the company continues to scale, it remains focused on maintaining its high standards. “We’ve worked tirelessly to ensure that our mobile services are on par with fixed, brick-and-mortar facilities,” Dr. Chacko explains, adding that trust has been a cornerstone of their success.
“We’ve earned the trust of thousands of women, national employers, and major medical aids — and that trust has been built on the reliability, quality, and compassion of our services.”
Leading from the Front: A Relentless Commitment to Quality
For Dr. Chacko, leading Radhiant isn’t just a strategic or financial endeavor; it’s a personal mission. His hands-on leadership extends beyond business decisions to include clinical oversight. He continues to personally report mammograms, ensuring that the highest standards are always met.
“At the end of the day, it’s about people — their lives, their health, and their well-being,” Dr. Chacko says. “I’m proud of the trust we’ve built with our patients, and I’m proud of how Radhiant is changing healthcare in South Africa.”
This commitment to clinical excellence also extends to Radhiant’s continuous investment in new technology. The company is developing a patient-facing app that will give women more control over their health, allowing them to manage bookings, view results, and even receive reimbursements, all from their smartphones.
Challenges Overcome: From Skepticism to Success
Launching a mobile mammography service in South Africa came with its share of challenges. There was initial skepticism about whether a mobile model could match the quality of fixed facilities, as well as regulatory and logistical barriers, particularly in remote areas where infrastructure is often lacking.
But Dr. Chacko and his team were undeterred. “We overcame these challenges by investing in top-tier equipment, building custom IT solutions, and recruiting highly skilled professionals,” he explains. “It wasn’t easy, but it was necessary. And throughout, we remained focused on ensuring every patient had a safe, respectful, and professional experience.”
The Road Ahead: A Vision for Expansion
Looking ahead, Dr. Chacko has ambitious plans for Radhiant. The goal is to reach 50,000 women annually within the next three years, and to double that number in the coming 12 months. Expansion is a key priority, with the company exploring the possibility of integrating other women’s health services on the same mobile platform.
“We are exploring AI-assisted diagnostics, expanding our fleet, and building partnerships with large insurers to streamline reimbursements and increase access,” Dr. Chacko shares. “This is just the beginning.”
Radhiant Foundation – Non-Profit Organisation Providing Awareness and Breast Health Education
In addition to its pioneering work in mobile mammography, Radhiant is proud to support the Radhiant Foundation, a non-profit organisation dedicated to raising funds for free mammograms for women in underserved communities. Many women who lack medical aid or cannot afford private screenings face barriers to early detection of breast cancer, a situation that the Radhiant Foundation is determined to change. Through its initiatives, the Foundation provides critical breast health education and increases awareness, aiming to improve access to mammograms and save lives. To learn more about the foundation or to contribute, please visit Radhiant Foundation. Your support can make a meaningful impact on the lives of women who need it most.
A Commitment to Health Equity and Service
For Dr. Chacko, Radhiant is more than just a business; it’s a vehicle for social change. “The mission goes beyond providing a service. It’s about creating a world where healthcare is a right, not a privilege,” he asserts. “Every woman, no matter where she lives or how much she earns, deserves access to preventative care. And that’s what we’re building — a system that brings healthcare to them.”
With Radhiant’s ongoing growth and innovation, the future looks bright for South African women, especially those in underserved communities. For Dr. Chacko, the work is far from over. But as he looks to the future, he remains unwavering in his commitment to health equity and patient care.
The Call to Action: Join the Movement
Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging is more than just a healthcare company; it’s a catalyst for change. By normalizing preventative care and breaking down barriers to access, Radhiant is transforming the healthcare landscape in South Africa — one woman at a time.
For more information on Radhiant’s services, or to book an appointment, visit Radhiant’s website or follow them on social media:
- Facebook: Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging
- Instagram: radhiant_diagnostic_imaging
- LinkedIn (Personal): Dr. Anith Chacko
- LinkedIn (Company): Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging
Take a step toward better healthcare today — because access should never be a barrier to a healthy tomorrow.
Dr. Anith Chacko
MBBCh (Wits), FC Rad Diag (SA), PhD (Bristol)
