Intercare, a private healthcare provider, has announced its first leadership transition in 25 years. The company has appointed Hendri Hanekom as the new CEO, effective from 1 April. Hanekom is a veteran of the organisation. He has spent nearly 18 years with the company. His journey is a testament to internal growth and dedication. He began his career in entry-level…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais Transforms Retail into Healthcare
When Rui Morais stepped into the leadership role at Dis-Chem in mid-2023, he inherited a retail giant. He took on the task of evolving a founder-led business into a scalable healthcare platform. Now, 1,000 days into the job, Morais’s tenure has seen a significant cultural reset. He has implemented an ambitious integrated healthcare strategy focused on affordability. Morais previously served…
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GEMS Medical Aid Increases: Scheme Battles Record Claims
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) is facing a significant financial crossroads. It has recently paid out in a single year what some of South Africa’s largest private insurers distributed over a quarter of a century. This unprecedented surge in claims has triggered mandatory increases to GEMS Medical Aid for members, effective from 1 April. Rising Costs Amid Financial Pressure…
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NHI Implementation: Understanding the Reform Facts
Recent scepticism regarding National Health Insurance (NHI) has sparked intense debate across the business sector. With NHI Implementation underway, much of this criticism relies on overhyped concerns rather than policy realities. The healthcare industry needs to ground these discussions in fact and context. NHI is not a sudden shift. It is the result of over a decade of policy development…
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Gauteng Cardiac Surgery Outcomes and Controversies
The Gauteng Department of Health has issued a robust rebuttal to allegations regarding cardiac surgery outcomes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Official representatives described recent comments made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) as both misleading and unverified. This dispute highlights a significant disagreement over clinical data and hospital performance within the province. DA Concerns Over Gauteng Cardiac Surgery…
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Mediclinic Restructuring: Remgro Takes Full Control In SA
Remgro and Investment Holding Limited (IHL) have signed an implementation agreement to restructure their shared interests in Mediclinic Holdings. The move would split the combined group along geographic lines. Remgro would become the sole owner of Mediclinic Southern Africa (MCSA). IHL would take 100% of Hirslanden, Mediclinic’s Swiss business. Remgro, chaired by Johann Rupert, and IHL currently each hold 50%…
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Grey’s Hospital HVAC Project Stalls as Vital Deadlines Pass
Grey’s Hospital in Pietermaritzburg reached a supposed turning point yesterday, 31 March 2026. It was the promised completion date for a new heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system. This system is essential for keeping operating theatres cool and sterile. Instead, the date passed with no construction in sight. The facility continues to rely on a 45-year-old industrial plant. The authorities…
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Charlotte Maxeke Cardiac Crisis: Alleged Failures at Major Hospital
Tensions reached a breaking point on Tuesday following a briefing by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding heart surgery outcomes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). The Charlotte Maxeke Cardiac Crisis was highlighted as the party alleged a severe collapse in surgical safety. Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health insists that patient outcomes have significantly improved over the last two…
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National Health Insurance: Minister Meets Medical Association
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has begun fresh engagement with one of his fiercest critics on the National Health Insurance (NHI). He met with the South African Medical Association (Sama) recently to discuss what he called “things we have in common”, despite Sama being among the organisations challenging the National Health Insurance Act in court. The NHI aims to establish a…
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Cardio-Oncologist Shortage Hits Cancer Care
South Africa is recording a steady rise in cancer diagnoses, with more than 100,000 new cases reported each year. An ageing population is a major driver. Lifestyle risks are adding to the trend. That growing burden is falling on a health system already under pressure in both public and private care. A less visible threat is also building. South Africa’s…
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Healthcare Funding Hiatus Forces A Harder NHI Conversation
South Africa’s healthcare debate is changing. With the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act stuck in legal processes and no clear healthcare funding pathway emerging from the 2026 Budget, the focus is moving from big promises to a tougher, present-day question: how do we fund care now, and what trade-offs will the system accept? That shift puts medical schemes back at…
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George Mukhari Patient Death Exposes System Failures
South Africa’s public mental health system is back in the spotlight after the Health Ombud released findings into the George Mukhari Hospital death of 35-year-old Lerato Mohlamme, a psychiatric patient. She died from burn injuries after a fire at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in June 2024. The report paints a picture of routine cruelty and dangerous neglect. It…