The Competition Commission (CC) referred four major medical imaging equipment suppliers to the Competition Tribunal for prosecution following allegations that they blocked other firms from servicing, repairing and maintaining their systems. – Business Day (2026)
The companies allegedly denied or restricted independent clinical engineers' access to spare parts and diagnostic software. Service keys, technical information and training were also allegedly withheld.
The companies are GE SA, GE Medical Systems SA, Siemens Healthcare and Philips. They supply and service X-ray, ultrasound, MRI, CT and PET/CT systems to healthcare facilities nationwide
According to the CC, the conduct contravenes section 8(1)(c) or section 8(1)(d)(ii) of the Competition Act.
The investigation began in 2021 following a market scoping study. If found guilty, the companies face fines of up to 10% of their turnover for the period of the contravention.