SA MEDICAL
SA Medical Services
The Hear
Product offerings evolved to include not only cardiac devices but also PPE, consumables, and accessories, prompting multiple office upgrades to accommodate the growing portfolio and team.
PFrom humble beginnings to a national presence, SA Medical Services has charted an extraordinary journey of vision, grit, and innovation in South Africa’s healthcare landscape. Founded in 2005 by current CEO, Sandesh Sukhlal, the company initially focused solely on supplying general surgical products to the public sector. Built on a foundation of integrity and determination, the seeds were planted for what would become one of South Africa’s most dynamic medical distribution companies. A significant turning point came in 2016, when Sandesh Sukhlal partnered with the current Managing Director Sholen Govender to pivot into the highly specialized field of interventional cardiology. The partnership fused ambition with industry insight— two young, driven individuals who sought to disrupt the status quo dominated by multinational giants. Their alliance led to a strategic collaboration with one of the leading global cardiac device manufacturers, SMT, marking SA Medical’s entry into a challenging but promising niche.
Starting operations from the Govender family home and fueled by the passion of a three-person team, the journey was not without its early struggles. With Kandice Govender joining as Commercial Director in 2018—bringing with her over 15 years of multinational marketing and financial experience—the business gained strategic leadership that helped sharpen its growth trajectory Lifehealth Care Entabeni Hospital in Durban was one of the first major customers, and from there, the momentum grew steadily. Between 2019 and 2021, SA Medical Services experienced rapid expansion.
Double-digit growth became the norm, as the company secured Tier 1 rankings and preferred supplier status across South Africa’s leading private hospital groups—Lenmed Busamed, Life Healthcare, Mediclinic, and Netcare—while also making inroads into independent institutions.
The last three years have seen exponential growth. SA Medical Services now boasts the largest DrugEluting Stent (DES) market share within Life Healthcare and has attained formulary status and preferred supplier designations across other top hospital groups. With a professional sales force of over 30 representatives, and a SubSaharan footprint spanning more than 60 hospitals, the company operates from offices and warehouses in Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal, supported by satellite presence in all nine provinces. Under the operational leadership of General Manager Rakesh Ramdev, the team delivers service excellence backed by decades of industry experience.
OUR GROWTH IS GUIDED BY THREE KEY PILLARS:
1. Education and Training – Equipping clinicians through CME programs, workshops, and simulationbased learning.
2. Best-in-Class Products – Offering high-quality, globally sourced technologies at cost-efficient rates
3. Customer-Centric Service – Ensuring responsive, reliable, and relationship-driven support. As we look ahead, our vision remains bold and clear: to become South Africa’s number one healthcare partner, with cardiology as the heart of our innovation. We are committed to reinvesting in education, training, and research alongside our global partners, staying at the forefront of transformative healthcare solutions.
EVOLUTIONIZING CARDIAC CARESA MEDICAL DRUG ELUTING STENT, SUPRAFLEX CRUZ BOASTS 48% MARKET SHARE IN 2024 WITHIN LIFE HEALTH CARE GROUP
Cardiovascular disease remains one of South Africa’s leading health challenges, making access to advanced treatment essential. At LIFE Hospital Group, we are proud to introduce the SupraFlex Cruz stent a breakthrough in world-class cardiac care.
At LIFE Hospital Group, we’re not just treating heart disease we’re redefining the future of cardiac care If you’re experiencing heart concerns, speak to your Cardiologist at a Life Healthcare facility. Together, we’re building healthier hearts, one beat at a time.
Developed by Sahajanand Medical Technologies (SMT), this ultrathin-strut, sirolimus-eluting stent is designed for precision, safety, and long-term success in patients with complex coronary artery disease. Its 60-micron struts make it one of the thinnest available, enhancing flexibility, reducing vessel injury, and promoting faster healing.
CLINICAL EVIDENCE CONFIRMS ITS SUPERIORITY:
91% endothelial coverage in just 35 days (Sibi OCT study)
Proven success in long lesions up to 48mm (Taxco study) Exceptionally low complication rates below 5% at 12 months, even in high-risk patients (TALENT & S-FLEX UK-II trials)
Allows for shorter dual antiplatelet therapy, improving safety in high-bleeding-risk cases
The SupraFlex Cruz has gained global recognition with CE Mark approval and use in countries like Australia and France. At LIFE Hospital Group, usage has grown 38% in the past year, making it our third most-utilized stent—a reflection of trust from both doctors and patients.
Whether for routine angioplasty or complex multivessel disease, the SupraFlex Cruz delivers durability, biocompatibility, and faster recovery—empowering our cardiologists to achieve the best outcomes.
WORLD’S FIRST AND ONLY NONCOMPLIANT DCB: INTRODUCING THE PROTÉGÉ
UNIQUE DRUG
APPLICATION
Application of drug within the folds using auto pipette technology
WING SEAL TECHNOLOGY
Corrugation prevents the balloon unfolding during advancement
M3i STUDY
Multiple drug release up to 3 times with the same device
PROVEN SAFETY & EFFICACY IN REAL-WORLD: PEARL REGISTRY
At 2 years Protege showed 11 7% TLR in ISR and 2 9% in De Novo Lesions which is lower compared to other DCBs in clinical registries*
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A MEDICAL
Senior
PERTS BEHIND YOUR CARE
ervices, our mission is simple yet powerful: To improve patient nging world-class, innovative medical technologies closer to ssionals across South Africa. Founded with a vision to bridge the ng-edge global advancements and local clinical needs, we are trusted partners to physicians, hospitals, and healthcare onwide Our Portfolio spans a range of life-saving devices and strong focus on cardiovascular health and international therapies. rt is our people-first approach.
duct and service is a passionate team of professionals who are to supporting our clinicians and empowering better patient care cialists and product experts to our operations and support staff, the SA Medical Services team contributes to making a difference most, in the lives of patients.
