From Public Servant to Private Practice: A Radiologist’s Journey of Growth
This World Health Day, one KwaZulu-Natal radiologist’s transition from public servant to private practice owner offers a timely lesson: strong healthcare systems depend not only on skilled clinicians, but on the vision and partnerships that allow them to grow.
When Dr Gebremariam Admassu Fekade was first approached about opening a radiology practice on the South Coast, he hesitated. Having spent years in the public sector and academia, including teaching at the University of the Free State, private practice was unfamiliar territory. “I didn’t know anything about private business,” he recalls. Yet the opportunity was compelling — and in 2018, he took the leap.
Starting was not easy. Imaging equipment required significant capital investment, and several banks declined to support the venture. However, his longstanding relationship with Standard Bank proved pivotal. With a clear clinical vision and a structured proposal, he secured the backing needed to establish the practice. Today, he runs two successful facilities: one in Shelly Beach and a nuclear medicine and PET-CT centre in Amanzimtoti, serving the South Coast and surrounding regions.
Building a Business from the Ground Up
MBA courses did not fully prepare him for the realities of building and running a healthcare business. “HR issues, accounting, getting your books right — the initial setup was a big challenge,” he says. One of the most important lessons came early: leadership in business often requires difficult decisions.
From the outset, the practice was designed as a fully digital operation. This enabled rapid reporting turnaround, seamless workflow integration, and consistently high-quality imaging delivery to referring clinicians. It also created a scalable platform capable of supporting real-time performance monitoring and the integration of advanced technologies, including artificial intelligence.
Growth was driven by a clear understanding of local clinical needs. The Shelly Beach facility offers advanced interventional radiology services, providing minimally invasive, image-guided procedures that would otherwise require referral to larger centres. In oncology, patients previously had to travel significant distances for advanced imaging. Recognising this gap, he established a nuclear medicine and PET-CT centre in Amanzimtoti, expanding access to comprehensive oncology imaging for the region.
A Partner for the Long Haul
Throughout this journey, the relationship with Standard Bank has remained a key enabler — not only in terms of initial financing, but as a long-term strategic partner. During periods of expansion and cash flow pressure, tailored financial solutions were structured to support sustainability. Additional financing needs, including operational requirements such as patient transport, were addressed efficiently.
Beyond funding, access to sector-specific expertise has been invaluable. “If I need advice — whether in healthcare, energy, or broader business strategy — there’s always someone to engage,” he explains. In contrast to other institutions that did not fully understand the healthcare sector, this partnership provided both financial and strategic alignment.
Looking Ahead
As attention turns to the future of healthcare systems, Dr Fekade is focused on growth and opportunity. He is actively exploring expansion opportunities within KwaZulu-Natal and across other provinces, with a view to extending access to high-quality imaging and oncology services.
“Despite the risks, there are significant opportunities,” he says.
From public servant to private practice owner, his journey reflects more than individual success — it highlights the importance of vision, adaptability, and the right partnerships in building sustainable healthcare services.