In the expansive landscapes of South Africa, a silent crisis often remains hidden within communities, going unrecognized and unaddressed until it’s too late. For countless women, access to essential, life-saving breast imaging, for cancer screening, seems like a distant dream, too far to reach and too costly to afford. Dr. Anith Chacko, a specialist radiologist with nearly two decades of clinical experience, viewed this disparity not as an insurmountable problem, but as a challenge that could be solved through design.
“A woman in a township or rural village,” he asserts with quiet conviction, “should not have a lesser chance of early detection simply because of her location. That is the core inequity we aim to correct.” This simple yet powerful idea fuels Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging, the company he founded to deliver healthcare directly to those who need it most. It seeks to redefine access to healthcare, positioning him among the leading visionaries in radiology for 2025.
A Doctor’s Insight: Witnessing the Silent Barriers to Care
Dr. Chacko’s path to creating Radhiant Diagnostic Imaging began in the daily realities of medical practice. “After qualifying as a radiologist in 2014, I spent most of my career in private practice, including leading roles in a busy hospital-based practice,” he recounts. This frontline work gave him a clear view of medical excellence. However, it also starkly revealed the limitations of the existing healthcare system and the profound inequities in access to care.
He saw firsthand how “geography and economics kept many women from accessing a basic but life-saving test, until it was usually a very advanced disease.” These were not abstract statistics but real people.
Dr. Chacko recalls “many personal interactions with patients presenting for their first mammogram with ‘lumps’” – a situation that early, preventative screening is designed to avoid. “Breast cancer screening is supposed to detect cancer early to enable successful outcomes,” he emphasizes.
This “clear, unmet need” was particularly acute for those outside major urban centers. “Access is highly unequal,” Dr. Chacko explains. “Urban centers are generally well served by private imaging facilities, but rural and lower-income communities face long travel times, waiting periods, and affordability barriers. Even middle income families and women struggle with accessibility in smaller towns all across South Africa.”
He also observed that the public sector, despite its efforts, often struggles to fill this void, with infrastructure sometimes “overstretched or unavailable entirely for specialized imaging like mammography.” The direct consequence, he realized, was a dangerous silence. “The most urgent gap is consistent access to screening-level imaging — especially for early detection of diseases like breast cancer,” Dr. Chacko identified.
Forging Radhiant: A Mission of Equity and Action
Driven by these direct observations and a deep understanding of the systemic barriers, Dr. Chacko felt compelled to act. “What drove me to start Radhiant,” he states, “was [the fact that] far too many women in our region and even across the country lacked access to affordable, high-quality breast imaging, especially in underserved areas.” The solution required a complete shift in perspective. “I saw an opportunity to redesign the delivery model entirely — to go to the patients instead of having them come to us.”
Radhiant, based in East London, Eastern Cape, was thus born with a focused purpose, initially serving the Border-Kei region; one of the poorest of the country, and with only 4 private radiology practices across the entire province, with a population of over 7 million. Founded in January 2023, it is South Africa’s first fully mobile mammography company.
“Our ‘why’ is rooted in equity, access, and early detection,” Dr. Chacko affirms. “We have designed Radhiant to deliver high-quality screening directly to where women live or work — removing logistical, financial, and even psychological barriers.” The company’s mission is both ambitious and clear: “to normalize preventative care and reach 50,000 women annually within the next three years, with a focus on convenience, accuracy, and positive outcomes.” This quiet determination to change healthcare realities defines Radhiant’s core.
The response was immediate and powerful, confirming the extent of the need. “By September 2024, the growing demand and operational scale required my full-time commitment,” Dr. Chacko notes. This was more than launching a new business; it was a fundamental rethinking of how essential healthcare could be delivered.
Demystifying Mobile Diagnostics: High-Tech Healthcare on the Move
For many, the concept of a state-of-the-art medical facility on wheels might seem futuristic. Dr. Chacko makes it tangible. “Mobile diagnostic imaging brings the full functionality of a high-end mammography unit into a compact, transportable format,” he explains. It is a feat of engineering and logistics. “Each of our mobile units is custom-built — climate-controlled, fitted with 3D digital mammography units, and staffed by highly trained and qualified professionals, which are female-led.”
The process is designed for patient ease and efficiency. “We drive directly to workplaces, events, clinics, or community centers. Patients step in, are screened in private, and walk out in approximately 15 minutes.”
The advanced technology ensures the process does not end there. “Images are securely transmitted to our RIS/PACS system, interpreted remotely by the radiologist(s), and reports are delivered digitally — often within 24 hours.” For those with positive findings a personal phone call is made to highlight the need for follow-up and ensure continuity of care. This seamless integration of physical outreach and digital efficiency is core to Radhiant’s model.
Radhiant’s Edge: Technology, Accessibility, and True Screening
Radhiant’s commitment to quality is evident in its core technology. “Our core service is 3D mammography with tomosynthesis, which offers greater accuracy than 2D systems, especially in dense breast tissue,” Dr. Chacko states. However, the true differentiator is its operational design. “What sets us apart is the truly mobile and off the grid ability to deliver service to the most remote parts of South Africa. Our units being completely off the grid removes a huge constraint in underserved areas of our country. Our units are also compact enough to navigate easily, and yet designed for patient comfort and safety.”
This capability to operate independently of local infrastructure is a game-changer. “We have integrated cutting-edge technology into a national network — something not commonly available. Our telecoms infrastructure and seamless integration to the RIS/PACS platform ensures seamless imaging, reporting, and communications.”
Furthermore, Radhiant is focused on genuine preventative care, a crucial distinction. “Most radiology practices in South Africa practice diagnostic mammography, while ours is truly a screening service,” Dr. Chacko points out. The company is also looking to enhance patient empowerment through technology: “We’re also developing a patient-facing app for bookings, reports, and reimbursements — empowering women to manage their care directly.”
Leading from the Front: Strategy, Standards, and Service
As Founder and CEO, Dr. Chacko’s role is multifaceted. “My role spans strategy, partnerships, clinical oversight, and operations,” he says. “A large portion of my time goes into scaling the business without compromising quality.” His commitment to clinical excellence remains hands-on. “I also continue to personally report mammograms, ensuring clinical standards remain high.”
The achievements he values most are built on human connection and proven impact. “What I’m most proud of is the trust we’ve built — from major medical aids and national employers to thousands of individual women.” This trust is earned through consistent delivery. “We’ve served over 300 locations across South Africa and proven that innovation in healthcare doesn’t always mean new hardware — it can mean smarter delivery.”
Measuring Success: Lives Touched, Early Detections Made
Radhiant’s success is not measured in profit margins alone. “We track both reach and impact: number of patients served, locations covered, detection rates, and patient feedback,” Dr. Chacko explains.
The stories behind the numbers reveal the true value. “One standout case was a woman in her late 40s who won a free mammogram, that we sponsored, at a wellness race. She had no symptoms or family history, yet we detected an early-stage cancer that was then treated.”
This, he says, “highlights our message of ‘early detection saves lives’ and we are able to provide convenient and accessible ‘early detection’.”
Key milestones reinforce the model’s viability and value. “Milestones include crossing 10,000 patients served and forming partnerships with BankMed, MedShield, Medicross South Africa, Spar Group, Fuso Trucks, and many other corporates —which validate our value proposition.” These collaborations are crucial for extending Radhiant’s reach and influence.
Skepticism, Systems, and Standards
Launching such an innovative venture was not without its challenges. “We faced skepticism about whether a mobile model could match the quality and reliability of fixed facilities and provide a true screening service,” Dr. Chacko admits. “Regulatory, logistical, and infrastructure barriers were real — from licensing to connectivity in remote areas.”
Overcoming these required a steadfast approach. “We overcame this by investing in top-tier equipment, building custom IT solutions, and assembling a highly skilled team, while always working in complete adherence to ethical rules and regulations.” A relentless focus on the patient experience was also paramount. “It also helped that we stayed laser-focused on patient experience — ensuring every touchpoint felt safe, respectful, and professional.”
The Road Ahead: Expansion, Innovation, and Enhanced Care
Dr. Chacko is already looking towards Radhiant’s next chapter. “We are currently developing a mobile app that will serve as a patient portal — giving women greater control over their healthcare journey,” he reveals. “We are utilizing AI in numerous areas of the company and constantly striving to implement better ways to improve all aspects of our service to our clients.”
Strategic growth is also a priority. “We’re also in discussions with several large insurers to become their designated service provider, which would streamline reimbursements and increase access.”
The targets are clear: “Our goal is to reach twice as many women, over the next 12 months and grow methodically by expanding our fleet.” The long-term vision encompasses an even broader impact. “Long-term, we’re exploring AI-assisted diagnostics and integrating other women’s health services on the same mobile platform.”
Beyond the Mobile Unit: Purpose and Perspective
For a leader driving such an intensive mission, balance is a conscious pursuit. “I wouldn’t say the balance is perfect — building something impactful requires trade-offs,” Dr. Chacko concedes.
“But I do make space for family, friends, and quiet time. Walking outdoors helps me reset, and reading — especially philosophy and strategy — keeps me grounded.” The demanding nature of his work is fueled by a deep internal drive. “I’m deeply motivated by the broader mission of health equity, which makes the sacrifices feel purposeful.”
A Leader’s Credo: Service, Integrity, and Impact
Dr. Anith Chacko’s leadership philosophy is grounded in tangible action and ethical commitment. “Leadership, for me, means service,” he states. “It means building systems that outlast you and improve the lives of others.” His experience has taught him vital lessons:
“I’ve learned that integrity and consistency matter more than charisma. If you can combine that with clear execution and a willingness to listen — even to hard truths — you can lead with impact.”
His final message is a powerful call to rethink societal priorities.
“If there’s one message I want to share with all readers, it is this: Your health matters, no matter where you live or how much you earn. Access to healthcare shouldn’t be a privilege based on geography or income. It’s a right — and together, we can build systems that honor and protect that right.”
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Also Read: Radiology Visionaries: Top Healthcare Leaders to Watch in 2025
