A cyberattack on South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) last year led to its worst audit outcome in over a decade. The Auditor-General issued a disclaimer of opinion on its 2024/2025 financial statements. The NHLS cyberattack exposed deep-seated financial vulnerabilities within the public health body. It is also grappling with a R173.4 million deficit and provincial debt now standing…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Nobel Prize Highlights Advances in Cancer Immunotherapy
American scientists Mary Brunkow and Fred Ramsdell, alongside their Japanese colleague Shimon Sakaguchi, have been awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The prestigious award recognises their pivotal discoveries concerning regulatory T cells. These discoveries have fundamentally changed our understanding of the immune system. Additionally, they have paved the way for novel treatments for cancer and autoimmune disorders.…
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Limpopo Health Budget Under Siege by Legal Claims
The Limpopo Department of Health is teetering on the brink of a financial catastrophe. Actual and potential medico-legal claims necessitate an allocation of an astounding R12.7 billion. This is just under half of its R26.1 billion annual budget. This figure highlights a crisis in the province’s healthcare system. As a result, the provincial government diverts critical funds away from essential…
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FDA Generic Drug Review Boosts US Drug Manufacturing
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced the launch of a new pilot programme. This programme aims to accelerate the review process for generic drugs. Companies research, develop, and manufacture these drugs entirely within the United States. The initiative aims to incentivise pharmaceutical companies to onshore their operations. It strengthens the domestic supply chain and reduces America’s heavy…
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African Health Financing Must be Forged in Africa
South Africa’s Finance Minister, Enoch Godongwana, has warned that Africa must urgently develop self-reliant funding mechanisms for its healthcare sector. This includes implementing taxes on products such as tobacco and alcohol. The continent faces a significant and “distressing decline” in foreign aid. His call highlights the critical need to strengthen African health financing and ensure the sustainability of healthcare systems.…
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Medical Device Regulation and Its Importance Today
Millions of medical devices are used daily in South Africa. These range from simple bandages to complex pacemakers. Patients often assume these products are tested and safe. However, a significant regulatory gap exists. This oversight can pose a substantial risk to public health. The urgent need for comprehensive medical device regulation is clear. Faulty devices create dangerous situations. For example,…
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Pfizer Drug Pricing Deal Sees Stocks Soar
In a move heralded by President Donald Trump as a monumental victory for American consumers, pharmaceutical giant Pfizer has agreed to a deal that promises to slash the prices of some of its drugs. However, the market’s reaction has told a very different story. This reaction raises questions about the actual impact of the agreement on the firm’s bottom line…
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Private Healthcare Market Dominance Reveals Serious Problems
A new report reveals a troubling reality. A small group of private hospitals and medical schemes are earning huge profits. This is due to their ongoing market dominance. The advocacy group Open Secrets states that a lack of regulation is a key factor in this issue. Six years ago, the Competition Commission raised similar concerns. However, very little has changed…
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Discovery Defers Contribution Increase Until April
Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) has announced a significant decision. It will defer its 2026 contribution increase for three months. This move will return about R1.5 billion to its members. This deferral provides welcome financial relief for many families. It is possible because of the scheme’s strong financial position./h Understanding the 2026 Contribution Increase Deferral Members will not see a…
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Netcare’s mental health services in high demand
Private hospital group Netcare has highlighted a continued and robust demand for mental healthcare services across South Africa. This signals a growing public health concern as more individuals seek help for conditions previously shrouded in stigma. The report comes amidst wider calls for systemic reform to address the nation’s deepening mental health crisis. In a recent trading update, Netcare confirmed…
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Tembisa Hospital Corruption Investigation Findings
A sprawling web of organised corruption has systematically looted an estimated R2 billion from Tembisa Hospital. This has transformed the public healthcare facility into a captured state economy, exploited by criminal syndicates and corrupt officials. An explosive interim report by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) details a coordinated scheme. It implicates rogue officials from both the hospital and the Gauteng…
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Health Funding Solution: Steps by National Treasury
The National Treasury is preparing a new bill. This is a crucial move for the health sector. It will address a severe funding shortfall. The gap is a result of the withdrawal of US donor aid. This withdrawal puts essential health programs at risk. HIV/AIDS services are particularly vulnerable. The government is now proposing a health funding solution. The financial…