An artificial intelligence system used during heart procedures in the Netherlands could help hospitals shorten operating times and treat more patients. Philips DeviceGuide combines AI with advanced three-dimensional imaging. It supports doctors performing complex, minimally invasive heart procedures. The technology was demonstrated at St Antonius Hospital in Nieuwegein. The Dutch teaching hospital used the system during a transcatheter edge-to-edge repair…
Category: July 2026
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Telehealth GLP-1 Prescribing Sparks Safety Fears
A Yale University study has identified serious weaknesses in how some telehealth providers prescribe GLP-1 weight-loss medications. The secret shopper study examined 49 online healthcare providers. Researchers used a fictional patient who met the clinical criteria for GLP-1 treatment. The findings suggest that several virtual clinics may be prioritising fast access to prescriptions over detailed medical care. This could expose…
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Aspen Chair Transition: Ben Kruger To Succeed Dlamini
Aspen Pharmacare chair Kuseni Dlamini will step down from the pharmaceutical group’s board in December 2026. Veteran director and former banking executive Ben Kruger will succeed him as chair. Aspen said Dlamini would not make himself available for re-election as a director. The company’s annual general meeting is scheduled for December. His departure will conclude a 14-year tenure on the…
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Slow Patent Reform Delays Access to Medicines
South Africa’s continued failure to reform its patent laws is restricting access to affordable medicines. The consequences of slow patent reform are also placing further pressure on the public healthcare system. More than 12 years have passed since the “PharmaGate” scandal became public. The scandal exposed an alleged campaign by the pharmaceutical industry to delay and weaken reforms to South…
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SA’s Ebola Preparedness Rises As DRC Outbreak Grows
SA’s Ebola preparedness has intensified as health authorities monitor the rapidly expanding Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said authorities designated 36 hospitals to receive and manage patients if an imported Ebola case occurs. The facilities include 24 public hospitals and 12 private hospitals. Three specialist committees are also coordinating readiness…
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Primary Healthcare Accountability Under Scrutiny In Johannesburg
A legal battle over access to Johannesburg clinics has placed primary healthcare accountability under the spotlight. The case has highlighted confusion about which sphere of government must act when patients cannot access essential clinic services. This issue is particularly important in metropolitan municipalities. In these areas, provincial and local governments may share responsibility for clinic operations through service-level agreements. Primary…
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Reach For A Dream Anniversary Highlights Power Of Hope
For children living with life-threatening illnesses, medical treatment is only one part of the recovery journey. As we celebrate the Reach For A Dream Anniversary, it’s important to remember that healthcare professionals say hope, emotional support and opportunities to enjoy childhood can also help young patients cope with difficult treatment. This message was highlighted during an event hosted by Reach…
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Public Health System Shows Signs of Progress
Most South Africans are familiar with the pressures facing public healthcare. These issues are often discussed within the broader context of the Public Health System. Patients often spend hours in clinic waiting rooms. Families struggle to secure treatment for relatives. Hospitals face overcrowding, medicine shortages and administrative failures. These experiences create an understandable impression that the system is collapsing. Service…
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Nicholas Crisp’s NHI Departure Raises Leadership Concerns
Nicholas Crisp, a key figure behind South Africa’s National Health Insurance programme, is preparing to leave the National Health Department. Crisp heads the NHI programme and serves as acting director-general of health. He said he would leave government service after September 2026. The Cabinet previously allowed him to remain in his position for another two years. This extended his service…