Statins and dementia may be more closely linked through cardiovascular health than previously recognised, according to a large Danish observational study. Researchers found that people with type 2 diabetes who started statin therapy earlier had a lower subsequent risk of dementia. The nationwide study included 132,585 people in Denmark who developed type 2 diabetes between 2006 and 2019. None were…
Category: August 2026
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Young adult mental health claims rise 80%
Young adult mental health is becoming an increasingly important driver of healthcare demand in South Africa. This is according to Discovery Health’s HealthTrend26 report. Among members aged 18 to 30, the prevalence of mental health claims has increased by 80% over the past decade. The report draws on more than 60 million life-years of clinical, lifestyle and behavioural data. It…
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Dis-Chem succession enters a new phase
Dis-Chem succession has entered a decisive phase after founder Ivan Saltzman and his family stepped away from formal management and board roles at the healthcare retailer. Saltzman, 76, had initially been nominated for election as a non-executive director. Dis-Chem’s AGM notice, issued on 30 June, included a resolution confirming his proposed appointment. However, on 24 July the group announced that…
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Ectopic pregnancy deaths expose care gaps
Research into ectopic pregnancy deaths in South Africa has highlighted persistent failures in early diagnosis, referral and emergency treatment. Dr Maria Mmaphefo Maluleka, a registrar in Family and Primary Health Care at Sefako Makatho Health Sciences University, said delays across the care pathway continue to put women’s lives at risk. According to the Saving Mothers 2020–23 report, 103 women died…
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Childhood immunisation coverage falls sharply in South Africa
Childhood immunisation coverage in South Africa has fallen sharply. As a result, the Department of Health has called for urgent action as outbreaks of vaccine-preventable diseases spread across the country. The proportion of infants under one year who have received no vaccinations rose from 12.1% in 2017 to 36.3% between January and April 2026. As a result, the share of…
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Rasonque pancreatic cancer drug wins FDA approval
The Rasonque pancreatic cancer treatment from Revolution Medicines has received US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval for certain patients with metastatic disease. The once-daily oral medicine, also known as daraxonrasib, is approved for patients who have received previous treatment or cannot undergo combination chemotherapy. It targets several forms of the RAS protein, which plays a significant role in driving…
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Discovery’s headline earnings set to rise
Discovery expects its headline earnings to increase by 31% to 36% for the year to end-June, driven by growth in its South African operations and Vitality business. The financial services group said it delivered robust results during the year. The group expects its normalised operating profit to increase by 15% to 20%. The group forecasts 13% to 18% growth for…
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GEMS principal officer suspended
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has placed its principal officer, Stan Moloabi, on precautionary suspension while it completes an internal administrative process. GEMS confirmed the decision on Tuesday but did not disclose the nature of the process. Moloabi also confirmed his suspension. The scheme has appointed its chief operating officer, Dr Vuyo Gqola, as acting principal officer. Meanwhile, the…
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Gauteng healthcare bribery warning
Gauteng healthcare bribery allegations involving queue jumping and access to services have prompted the provincial health department to warn patients and officials about corruption at public health facilities. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said that it had received complaints about patients allegedly paying officials to secure preferential treatment. The allegations relate to booking appointments, accessing patient files and collecting…
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GLP-1 Generics Could Reshape Local Obesity Market
A new wave of generic GLP-1 medicines could transform South Africa’s fast-growing obesity treatment market. Sun Pharma recently launched the country’s first generic semaglutide injection for type 2 diabetes through its Ranbaxy subsidiary. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is considering another 13 semaglutide applications. The opportunity is substantial. Morgan Stanley expects the global GLP-1 market to reach…
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Research Funding Needs Stronger Domestic Support
The US National Institutes of Health’s decision to reopen funding opportunities to South African researchers offers welcome relief. However, it also exposes the risks of relying too heavily on foreign support for essential scientific work. When Donald Trump returned to the White House in early 2025, South Africa was the largest foreign recipient of NIH awards. These grants were awarded…
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Cancer Sugar Shield Helps Tumours Evade Immunity
South African-led research has revealed new molecular details about how cancer changes the MUC1 protein to evade the immune system. The findings could support the development of new cancer vaccines, biomarkers and precision therapies. MUC1 is found on epithelial cells lining organs including the breast, colon and lungs. In healthy tissue, it carries long, complex sugar chains that help protect…