South Africa’s continued failure to reform its patent laws is restricting access to affordable medicines. The consequences of slow patent reform are also placing further pressure on the public healthcare system. More than 12 years have passed since the “PharmaGate” scandal became public. The scandal exposed an alleged campaign by the pharmaceutical industry to delay and weaken reforms to South…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
-
SA’s Ebola Preparedness Rises As DRC Outbreak Grows
SA’s Ebola preparedness has intensified as health authorities monitor the rapidly expanding Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said authorities designated 36 hospitals to receive and manage patients if an imported Ebola case occurs. The facilities include 24 public hospitals and 12 private hospitals. Three specialist committees are also coordinating readiness…
-
Primary Healthcare Accountability Under Scrutiny In Johannesburg
A legal battle over access to Johannesburg clinics has placed primary healthcare accountability under the spotlight. The case has highlighted confusion about which sphere of government must act when patients cannot access essential clinic services. This issue is particularly important in metropolitan municipalities. In these areas, provincial and local governments may share responsibility for clinic operations through service-level agreements. Primary…
-
Reach For A Dream Anniversary Highlights Power Of Hope
For children living with life-threatening illnesses, medical treatment is only one part of the recovery journey. As we celebrate the Reach For A Dream Anniversary, it’s important to remember that healthcare professionals say hope, emotional support and opportunities to enjoy childhood can also help young patients cope with difficult treatment. This message was highlighted during an event hosted by Reach…
-
Public Health System Shows Signs of Progress
Most South Africans are familiar with the pressures facing public healthcare. These issues are often discussed within the broader context of the Public Health System. Patients often spend hours in clinic waiting rooms. Families struggle to secure treatment for relatives. Hospitals face overcrowding, medicine shortages and administrative failures. These experiences create an understandable impression that the system is collapsing. Service…
-
Nicholas Crisp’s NHI Departure Raises Leadership Concerns
Nicholas Crisp, a key figure behind South Africa’s National Health Insurance programme, is preparing to leave the National Health Department. Crisp heads the NHI programme and serves as acting director-general of health. He said he would leave government service after September 2026. The Cabinet previously allowed him to remain in his position for another two years. This extended his service…
-
GEMS Contribution Increase Sparks Union Backlash
Public sector unions have criticised the Government Employees Medical Scheme after it failed to secure approval for a lower increase in member contributions. GEMS asked the Council for Medical Schemes to reduce its average increase to 7.5% from July 2026. However, the regulator rejected the proposal. The decision means members will continue paying contributions based on the approved average increase…
-
Ebola Treatment Trials Need Urgent $18m Funding
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called for urgent international funding to support experimental Ebola treatment trials in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Africa CDC said at least $18 million was needed immediately. It warned that funding delays could weaken efforts to contain the outbreak and lead to preventable deaths. Researchers are preparing to launch clinical trials…
-
Healthcare Access During Protests: SAMA Issues Warning
The South African Medical Association has called for stronger protection of healthcare workers and patients during anti-immigration marches expected across the country. SAMA said medical professionals must be able to work without threats, intimidation or political interference. It also stressed that all patients should be able to reach healthcare facilities safely. Access should not depend on nationality or immigration status.…
-
Unsafe Cosmetic Procedures Raise SA Health Alarm
The national Department of Health has raised concerns about unsafe cosmetic procedures taking place outside South Africa’s regulated healthcare system. Health officials warned that treatments involving unregistered practitioners or unregulated products could cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the government does not oppose cosmetic surgery or aesthetic medicine. It recognises these procedures as healthcare services…
-
Hospital CEO Vacancies Raise Governance Concerns
More than 50 public hospitals across South Africa are operating without permanent chief executives. The issue of hospital CEO vacancies is raising concerns about leadership, accountability, and patient services in an already-strained health system. Provincial health departments have blamed budget pressures, austerity measures and controls on employee compensation. These constraints have delayed the appointment of permanent senior managers. Acting executives…