In South Africa, nine million people benefit from critical medications and treatments provided by private medical aids under the Prescribed Minimum Benefit (PMB) regulations. This staggering figure highlights the prevalence of chronic health conditions and the vital role private medical aids play in the country’s healthcare system. However, the future of these essential services remains uncertain as the National Health…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Challenges securing vaccines amidst Africa’s mpox outbreak
Two weeks ago, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared a public health emergency of international concern due to the mpox outbreak in Africa. This declaration highlights a significant issue: while Europe and the US secured vaccines swiftly during their outbreaks in 2022, Africa is lagging in accessing these critical resources. In response to the mpox outbreak in Europe and the…
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New mpox strain in DRC mutating faster than expected
A new strain of the mpox virus, called clade Ib, is evolving rapidly and raising global concerns after spreading from the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Scientists studying this strain warn that the virus is changing faster than anticipated, particularly in regions where tracking efforts are hindered by limited funding and equipment. This situation complicates understanding the virus’s transmission, severity,…
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Ritshidze Report exposes failures in Free State healthcare
The latest Ritshidze report has unveiled severe shortcomings in the Free State’s public healthcare system, revealing that only 17% of people living with HIV (PLHIV) receive a three-month supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medication. The report highlights a range of systemic issues, including long wait times, staff unfriendliness, denial of services, poor treatment literacy, and unsanitary conditions in healthcare facilities. Ritshidze,…
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WHO launches $135m plan to combat global mpox outbreak
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has unveiled a comprehensive preparedness and response plan to coordinate global efforts to contain the escalating mpox outbreak, which has been declared an international health emergency. The WHO is seeking $135 million to fund the first six months of this critical plan, starting in September. The plan is designed to halt human-to-human transmission of mpox,…
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NHI becomes a flashpoint in political struggle
The National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme is increasingly becoming a battleground for political and factional disputes, potentially stalling meaningful discussions on its future and the urgent need for universal access to quality healthcare services. Recent developments have highlighted the challenges facing the African National Congress (ANC) as it grapples with its firm stance on the NHI, enacted into law by…
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IRR urges repeal of NHI Act over risk of taxpayer exodus
The Institute of Race Relations (IRR) has urged Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to repeal the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. It warns that its restrictions on medical schemes could trigger an exodus of South Africa’s top taxpayers and slash corporate tax revenues, endangering government spending across crucial sectors. According to the IRR, approximately 862,000 South African taxpayers earning over R750,000…
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Two-week amnesty for fraudulent medical negligence claims
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has introduced a two-week amnesty period for lawyers to withdraw fraudulent medical negligence claims without facing prosecution. This move is part of a nationwide campaign to curb the exploitation of the state’s resources and protect patients from unethical legal practices. The Treasury has raised alarms over the escalating budget impact of medical negligence payouts, which have…
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Ramaphosa’s vision of collaboration faces a setback
In his February State of the Nation address, President Cyril Ramaphosa expressed optimism about the collaborative efforts among various sectors of society during his tenure. He highlighted achievements like vaccine distribution during the Covid-19 pandemic, combating gender-based violence, addressing energy and logistics crises, fighting crime and corruption, and accelerating job creation. Ramaphosa emphasised that this spirit of cooperation is critical…
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Mpox vaccine delay highlights global health inequities
Africa is finally set to receive its first batch of 10,000 mpox vaccines next week amidst concerns over the global spread of a new, more virulent strain of the virus. The slow arrival of these vaccines, already available in over 70 countries outside Africa, underscores ongoing disparities in global healthcare access despite lessons from the Covid-19 pandemic. The World Health…
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Presidency finalises health compact despite boycott
The President’s office has disregarded a boycott by organised business and healthcare professionals. It has finalised its second health compact, demonstrating its determination to move forward with the National Health Insurance (NHI). Despite the absence of support from Business Unity SA (Busa), the SA Medical Association (Sama), and the SA Health Professionals Collaboration (SAHPC), the compact was signed as a…
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Gauteng pushes ahead with plans for four new hospitals
Gauteng is pushing forward with plans to construct four new hospitals, as announced by the provincial health department. Premier Panyaza Lesufi revealed the intention to increase the number of hospitals from 37 to include new facilities in Daveyton, Soshanguve, Orange Farm, and Diepsloot during his State of the Province address on August 15. The National Health Department has already approved…