Despite everyday experiences of stress, anxiety, and burnout, South African workers are putting on a brave face. According to the latest GIBS October Health Workplace Well-being report, many employees show notable resilience even in challenging workplace conditions. The report, a collaboration between the Gordon Institute of Business Science (GIBS) and October Health, draws insights from 501 workers, including full-time, part-time,…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Global wellness industry surges, outpacing pharmaceuticals
In 2023, the global wellness industry reached a remarkable $6.32 trillion valuation, surpassing the combined size of the sports and pharmaceutical industries. This figure, reported by the Global Wellness Institute (GWI), marks a 25% growth since 2019, driven by a surge in demand for health-focused products and services post-pandemic. The GWI defines wellness as “the active pursuit of activities, choices,…
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PIC’s possible role in public financing health Infrastructure
The Department of Health and National Treasury are discussing potentially leveraging South Africa’s R2.3-trillion savings pool to upgrade public health infrastructure. This is part of the department’s preparation for implementing National Health Insurance (NHI). The Department of Health is working to address infrastructure challenges that could impact its rollout. The focus is on finding sustainable funding sources, with the Public…
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Lack of budget adjustments for health sector raises concerns
In his recent Medium Term Budget Policy Statement (MTBPS), Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana did not adjust allocations for South Africa’s health sector, sparking concerns among activists and trade unions who are apprehensive about the impact this will have on the country’s healthcare system in the upcoming year. Russell Rensburg, director of the Rural Health Advocacy Project, emphasised that the lack…
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Medicines seized amidst surge in demand for Ozempic copies
New Zealand customs officials recently seized 14 injectable pens labelled as Fitaro and Orsema – semaglutide-based medications manufactured by Incepta Pharmaceuticals, a drugmaker from Bangladesh. These drugs, meant to provide an affordable alternative to Novo Nordisk’s Ozempic, underscore a surge in demand for lower-cost versions of the popular diabetes and weight loss medication. Ozempic and its anti-obesity counterpart, Wegovy, contain…
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56,000 South Africans succumbed to tuberculosis in 2023
An estimated 1.25 million people worldwide and 56,000 in South Africa succumbed to tuberculosis (TB) in 2023, according to recent WHO figures. These alarming statistics place TB above COVID-19 as the leading infectious disease killer globally. Marcus Low analyzes these findings, examining TB’s persistent toll in South Africa and the WHO’s goals to reduce both TB incidence and mortality. TB…
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Godongwana blames provinces for healthcare staffing crisis
In his medium-term budget policy statement (MTBPS), Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana attributed South Africa’s healthcare staffing shortages to the provinces’ failure to ensure that the Treasury’s allocated funds reached frontline healthcare workers. According to Godongwana, South Africa’s fiscal system allows provinces flexibility in managing funds under the provincial equitable share, which has led to disparities in budget allocations and impacted…
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AI innovations promise to revolutionise African healthcare
This month saw AI innovations showcased on the global stage, from Las Vegas to Cape Town, as major tech companies and health experts gathered to explore the future of healthcare. In Las Vegas, Google, Microsoft, and Nvidia demonstrated how AI-driven tools can save doctors and nurses precious time. Meanwhile, Cape Town hosted the Africa Health Exhibition & Congress to discuss…
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SA’s largest pharmacy chains have ambitious expansion plans
South Africa’s two largest pharmacy chains, Clicks and Dis-Chem, are pushing aggressive expansion plans, reflecting market optimism about their future growth. Both companies are enhancing their presence through new store rollouts and a strong focus on loyalty programmes, appealing to the increasing number of value-focused consumers in South Africa. Clicks has proven resilient with a cash-generative business model. Its strategic…
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Aspen secures licensing agreement to enter GLP-1 market
Aspen Pharmacare’s CEO, Stephen Saad, has celebrated the company’s new licensing agreement to enter the rapidly expanding GLP-1 agonist market. He said this milestone marks a “significant coup” for the company, enabling it to prepare for the market by 2026 and capitalise on the anticipated demand for diabetes and obesity treatment solutions. The global GLP-1 market, driven by increased demand…
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Tuberculosis was the top infectious disease killer in 2023
According to a recent World Health Organisation report, tuberculosis (TB) has become the leading cause of infectious disease-related deaths in 2023, overtaking COVID-19. With over 8.2 million new TB diagnoses – the highest recorded since monitoring began in 1995 – the report emphasises the urgent need for increased funding and resources in the fight against TB. The WHO data reveals…
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Moving toward NHI and primary care focus
Since emerging from apartheid three decades ago, South Africa has worked to ensure access to healthcare, food, and social assistance, as promised in the 1996 Constitution’s Bill of Rights. Yet, despite investments, the public healthcare system remains hampered by resource inequity, unmet needs, and insufficient primary care access. The proposed National Health Insurance (NHI) seeks to reshape healthcare delivery, prioritising…