The cardiology unit at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital need not stand back for private health care‚ the unit's head said on Thursday.Professor Pravin Manga said the unit had improved a lot over the years and now boasts state-of-the-art equipment and high-quality training.Manga‚ who has worked at the unit for more than 20 years‚ spoke during a media briefing as Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu visited the hospital.Mahlangu paid tribute to political activist Maxeke‚ whom she described as a "woman of excellence"‚ on the anniversary of her birth.Manga said the unit has kept up with the technological advances that have occurred over the years‚ such as the "fancy" ultrasound machine that it now has to show three-dimensional images."We have new equipment needed in modern cardiology to provide the kind of care that people need to live‚" he said."I really don’t believe that what we offer here is anything inferior to what you get in private practice."He said the unit also had a reputation for training "quality people"."Most of the guys who have come through [here] have obtained reputations either in private practice or in cardiac organisations and they hold high positions in this country‚" Manga said.Manga said the unit treated about 10 000 patients a year.Ernest Knox‚ 78‚ is one of these patients. He was admitted four days ago after suffering from chest pains and needs surgery to replace a heart valve.Knox commended the hospital's staff for their professionalism and care."Everyone here‚ from the cleaning staff to the doctors‚ care a lot. They greet [you] and ask if you are okay."The media were invited as the MECs of the departments comprising the Gauteng provincial government's social cluster – Education‚ Health‚ Social Development‚ Sports‚ Arts‚ Culture and Recreation‚ Human Settlements and Community Safety – were due to speak about their programs for the new financial year but Mahlangu was the only MEC in attendance...