Category: Archive

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has called on governments to end childhood malnutrition. Simple, affordable solutions can help children reach their potential and drive economic growth. In South Africa, child malnutrition is a serious issue. The 2016 SA Demographic and Health Survey found that 27% of children under five are stunted. Stunting means children are too short for their…

Gauteng’s health department is under fire after a viral social media video exposed the crumbling state of public hospitals. The video, shared by Tom London, has caused global outrage. It highlights the severe decay in healthcare facilities, leaving patients and healthcare workers in terrible conditions. Hospitals are falling apart Despite the crisis, the department failed to spend R2.7 billion of…

The Gauteng health department has reported R25 billion in irregular spending over the last three years while underspending its budget by over R6.4 billion. This financial mismanagement has left some hospitals struggling to afford basic supplies like taps and toilet paper. Recently, Tim London, a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital, shared a video highlighting the poor conditions and unprofessional behaviour…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to deliver a 10-year plan to improve the National Health Service (NHS). However, he emphasised that without significant reforms, the struggling system would not receive more funding. A recent independent report found the NHS in a critical state. The NHS has faced significant challenges in recent years. It has struggled with the aftermath…

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has said South Africa needs a new system for dealing with medical negligence claims. Instead of going through the courts, expert panels could assess claims. This would reduce long, uncertain court battles and ensure fair compensation. Medico-legal claims against public and private healthcare have increased over the last decade. These claims strain provincial health budgets and…

Budget cuts by the National Treasury are making it hard for provincial health departments to fill key positions, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament. This shortage puts pressure on healthcare staff and causes longer patient waiting times. In a written response to questions from Action SA MP Kgosi Letlape, Motsoaledi said provinces are struggling with fewer doctors, nurses, and managers.…

Covid-19 showed how vital vaccines are. The pandemic caused 16 million deaths worldwide. The current concern around Mpox highlights people’s fear of new outbreaks. However, major drug companies are not investing enough in vaccines for future pandemics. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the next virus could be 20 times deadlier than Covid-19. Scientists call this unknown virus “Disease…

The number of cancer cases among black South Africans has risen sharply in recent years. Colon cancer, in particular, is claiming more lives, highlighting the need for better prevention and treatment. Several factors contribute to the growing cancer burden. These include lifestyle changes, such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and increased alcohol and tobacco use. Environmental exposure to pollutants…

The Hospital Association of South Africa Conference highlighted the need for a complete system change to address healthcare inequalities. Speakers at the event focused on practical steps to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare. Only 15% of South Africans have private medical aid, leaving 85% dependent on the strained public system. Some suggest making medical aid compulsory for…

Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has voiced strong concerns about negative comments aimed at those raising issues with the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. BUSA says it is essential to question if the NHI is the right way to provide universal health coverage. The organisation believes these concerns are responsible and necessary to ensure the NHI is practical and sustainable.…

Business Unity SA (Busa) has expressed disappointment with the government’s response to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. Busa CEO Cas Coovadia criticised the government for not engaging in discussions about the NHI and for the hostile rhetoric against those questioning the Act. Coovadia stated that raising concerns about the NHI is necessary to ensure the plan is viable and…

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare in South Africa, moving from hype to practical applications. AI is now assisting doctors by detecting tumours in routine X-rays, offering more accurate diagnoses, and even acting as a chatbot for booking appointments and providing therapy. AI’s most significant impact in South Africa is seen in tuberculosis (TB) screening, with AI tools like…