South Africa’s Constitutional Court recently delivered a landmark judgment. The court struck down sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act. These specific clauses contained the controversial “certificate of need” scheme. Under those rules, individual healthcare providers would have required state permission to establish practices. Officials wanted to dictate exactly where medical facilities could operate. Instead of viewing this…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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South African Retail Pharmacy: Clicks Versus Dis-Chem
The battle for consumer loyalty in the South African retail pharmacy sector has reached a fierce new level. Market leaders Clicks and Dis-Chem are competing intensely for market share. Tough economic conditions are squeezing middle-income households. This has forced both brands to step up their promotional activities. Traditional retailers are also expanding into the health and beauty space, adding to…
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Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Repairs Slated For August Completion
The long-running reconstruction project at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital is finally nearing completion. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi announced that the core repair work is expected to wrap up in August. This milestone comes more than five years after a devastating fire crippled key sections of the vital facility. Minister Motsoaledi visited the site yesterday to inspect the progress. He…
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Antibiotic Resistance In Salmonella Tied To Climate Change
A groundbreaking international study has revealed a worrying link between climate change and global health threats. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are actively accelerating the spread of dangerous, hard-to-treat infections. The comprehensive research was published this week in The Lancet Planetary Health. A collaborative team from several prominent institutions led the work. These included the Chinese Academy of Sciences…
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Netcare Growth Expectations Cut After GEMS Benefit Changes
Private hospital group Netcare has trimmed its full-year outlook. This decision follows sudden benefit adjustments by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). South Africa’s largest medical scheme for public sector workers introduced strict cost-cutting measures. These alterations will inevitably impact patient volumes across the private hospital sector. Why Netcare Growth Expectations Were Revised Downwards The scheme’s popular Tanzanite One option…
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Compounded GLP-1 Injections Spark Regulatory Battle
South African pharmaceutical firm iDexis is fighting back against local healthcare regulators over its Compounded GLP-1 Weight-Loss Injections. The company strongly defends its product safety amid serious compliance allegations. The dispute follows a joint statement by the South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC). The regulators ordered an immediate recall of the company’s…
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Illicit GLP-1 Manufacturing Halted In Pretoria Raid
The South African healthcare sector is facing intense regulatory scrutiny following a major raid on a compounding pharmacy in Pretoria. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) targeted iDexis, trading as Sentra Pharmacy in Silverton. This joint operation with the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) highlights growing concerns over the booming local weight-loss market. The Raid On Sentra Pharmacy…
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Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Crisis Sparks Whistleblower Resignation
A senior doctor who helped expose deep-rooted problems at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH) is leaving the public health sector. Professor Adam Mahomed, the respected head of internal medicine, has reached his breaking point. After years of frustration, stress, and stalled reform, he has opted for early retirement. Professor Mahomed lodged a formal complaint with the Public Protector in…
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Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Repairs: A Delayed Recovery
Public Protector Kholeka Gcaleka has proposed decisive remedial action regarding the lengthy delay in Charlotte Maxeke Hospital repairs. This intervention deserves strong public support. Crucially, it targets deep-seated weaknesses in Gauteng’s infrastructure delivery system. A devastating fire damaged the facility in April 2021. This disaster affected critical sections of one of the most vital public healthcare hubs in Gauteng. Years…
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NHLS Debt Crisis Threatens Public Health Laboratory Services
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is facing an unprecedented financial emergency. Parliament has demanded immediate accountability from provincial health departments for debts of over R11 billion. This huge financial burden threatens the stability of South Africa’s public medical testing network. Understanding The NHLS Debt Crisis Impact The NHLS operates approximately 233 diagnostic laboratories across South Africa. These facilities provide…
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Unregistered GLP-1 Medicines Crackdown Escalates In SA
The national medicines regulator has intensified its enforcement action against the unlawful manufacture and distribution of unregistered GLP-1 therapies. This development comes as concerns grow over South Africa’s rapidly expanding and largely unregulated weight-loss drug market. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) and the South African Pharmacy Council (SAPC) confirmed they seized several injectable products. The raid took…
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Concourt Ruling Strips Government Of Private Sector Controls
South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) project has suffered a significant legal setback. The recent ConCourt Ruling confirmed that key provisions in the National Health Act are unconstitutional and invalid. The unanimous judgment was written by Justice Kate Savage. It upheld a high court order declaring sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act inconsistent with the Constitution. These…