Despite the promise of universal health coverage for everyone, signing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill just before the election has led to several misconceptions about medical schemes, undermining the foundation of South Africa’s healthcare system. This warning comes from Dr Katlego Mothudi, managing director at the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF). Dr Mothudi said that the rhetoric surrounding the…
Category: Archive
Every Health Matters article, newest first. Use the search or browse by month to find older reporting.
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Challenging road ahead for South Africa’s healthcare system
In May, President Cyril Ramaphosa signed the National Health Insurance (NHI) Bill into law, aiming to implement Universal Health Coverage (UHC) in South Africa. However, this move has sparked debates and potential court challenges questioning the Act’s constitutionality, including opposition from political parties within the Government of National Unity (GNU). The government will implement NHI over several years, but clear…
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Boosting cardio fitness can cut mortality risk by up to 30%
Discovery Vitality’s head of wellness, Dr Mosima Mabunda, has emphasised the importance of regularly measuring cardiorespiratory fitness, or VO2 max, akin to monitoring blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol levels. Enhancing fitness can significantly reduce mortality risk, with even moderate improvements in VO2 max lowering the risk of death by 21% to 30%, as revealed by recent research from Discovery Vitality.…
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The pros and cons of Motsoaledi’s return as Health Minister
When Dr Aaron Motsoaledi first became South Africa’s Minister of Health in 2009, the number one task in front of him was straightforward. He had to expand the country’s HIV testing and treatment programme rapidly. Over the next decade, he did precisely that. When he left the health portfolio in 2019, there were around 5.1 million people on HIV treatment…
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Clicks to sell stake in Unicorn Pharmaceuticals
The Clicks Group has announced plans to sell its shareholding in its pharmaceutical manufacturing subsidiary, Unicorn Pharmaceuticals. The sale is anticipated to be finalised by the end of July. This decision follows the Constitutional Court’s ruling in March 2023 in the Independent Community Pharmacy Association’s case against the Clicks Group case. Subsequently, the matter was referred to the director-general of…
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Concerns grow over gaps in bird flu surveillance
Scientists tracking the spread of bird flu have raised concerns about gaps in surveillance, fearing it could lead to a delayed response to a potential new pandemic. Since 2020, researchers have monitored a new subtype of H5N1 avian flu in migratory birds. However, its recent spread to 129 dairy herds across 12 US states indicates a shift that could bring…
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New HIV prevention shot promises six months of protection
A new injection containing the antiretroviral drug lenacapavir has demonstrated highly effective results in preventing HIV infection for six months per shot. The findings, announced by pharmaceutical company Gilead, mark a significant improvement over the current two-month protection offered by the long-acting cabotegravir (CAB-LA) injection. Lenacapavir, part of a new class of antiretroviral drugs called capsid inhibitors, works by interfering…
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Life Healthcare seals deal on cancer-screening tool
Life Healthcare’s subsidiary, Life Molecular Imaging (LMI), has successfully sub-licensed its early-stage novel radiotherapeutic and radio diagnostic products (RM2) to the US-based Lantheus Holdings. This significant transaction follows Life Healthcare’s decision to retain LMI within its portfolio after selling Alliance Medical Group for R21 billion. Under the terms of the agreement, Lantheus will pay an upfront fee of $35 million…
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India plans incentives for diabetes, obesity drug makers
According to Arunish Chawla, secretary of the Department of Pharmaceuticals, India plans to incentivise local production of GLP-1 drugs, which treat diabetes and obesity, starting in 2026. GLP-1 drugs, initially approved for diabetes, are now widely used for obesity treatment due to their ability to slow digestion and promote a feeling of fullness. Danish pharmaceutical company Novo Nordisk’s patent on…
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Increased miscarriage and stillbirth during extreme weather
The risk of miscarriage or stillbirth can be up to 8% higher during extreme weather events like floods and heatwaves, according to recent studies. This alarming statistic has prompted the South African Health Department, in collaboration with the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), to launch a pilot project that will send weather warnings to pregnant women and mothers of young…
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Robotic surgery revolutionises public healthcare
In a groundbreaking development for public healthcare, two hospitals in the Western Cape have introduced cutting-edge robotic surgery systems. The da Vinci Xi systems, known for their precision and advanced capabilities, are now operational at Tygerberg Hospital and Groote Schuur Hospital, marking a first for public hospitals in South Africa. The da Vinci Xi System: A Leap in Surgical Precision…