The Gauteng health department is again facing severe criticism. Its ongoing financial troubles have disrupted essential gas supplies at two major hospitals. Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and Rahima Moosa Mother and Child Hospital experienced gas supply interruptions from Egoli Gas due to unpaid bills, jeopardising patient care. The crisis stems from the department’s failure to settle a R15 million…
Category: March 2025
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BHF calls for disclosure of Ramaphosa’s records on NHI Act
The Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) announced that it would require President Cyril Ramaphosa to disclose his records to determine whether he adhered to all legal requirements before signing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act into law. This announcement comes amid escalating opposition to the contentious legislation. The NHI Act, which aims to establish universal health coverage for all South…
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Sudden USAID withdrawal threatens SA HIV vaccine project
The South African Medical Research Council (MRC) has urgently appealed to African governments, philanthropists, and the private sector to address a significant funding shortage. This request follows the sudden withdrawal of US government funding for a key HIV vaccine initiative, which has jeopardised years of research advancement. Last week, the Trump administration’s choice to terminate US Agency for International Development…
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HIV programmes: The impact of funding US cuts
South Africa is on the brink of a severe health crisis, possibly more harmful than the COVID-19 pandemic, due to significant cuts in US funding for HIV programmes. The almost complete withdrawal of Pepfar (President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief) funding threatens to reverse years of progress in managing the HIV epidemic, potentially causing a spike in infections and a…
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Discovery reports a 34% increase in first-half earnings
Discovery has revealed a robust 34% increase in its first-half headline earnings, showcasing its strong growth trajectory. This surge is primarily attributed to the exceptional performance of its South African health insurance division and the globally recognised Vitality programme. Key Financial Highlights: Headline Earnings: Increased by 34% to R4.35 billion (£234 million) for the six months ending December, rising from…
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Global fund affirms commitment to lenacapavir rollout
The Global Fund for HIV, TB, and Malaria has reaffirmed its commitment to rolling out the twice-yearly HIV prevention jab, lenacapavir, in lower-income countries, including South Africa. This initiative will continue with or without the support of the US President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar), which recently encountered funding disruptions during President Donald Trump’s term. According to Global Fund…
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Impact of Food Insecurity on Obesity Rates in South Africa
South Africa has the highest obesity rate in Africa, with half of all adults classified as overweight or obese—68% of women and 38% of men. Shockingly, nearly 70% of obese adults live in food-insecure households, relying on cheap, energy-dense, yet nutrient-poor foods. As the world marked World Obesity Day this week, the Association for Dietetics in South Africa (Adsa) warned…
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UC loses patent battle over prostate cancer drug in SA
The University of California (UC) has encountered a significant legal setback in South Africa after the Johannesburg High Court revoked its patent for Xtandi. This prostate cancer drug extends life. This ruling paves the way for generic versions of the medication to be sold in the country, potentially lowering patient costs. Xtandi, developed at UC with funding from the National…
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Competition Commission probes insulin price fixing
The Competition Commission in South Africa has launched a formal investigation into leading insulin manufacturers Novo Nordisk and Sanofi Aventis following serious allegations of anti-competitive conduct. The inquiry was initiated after health activists complained about Novo Nordisk’s decision to cease supplying human insulin pens to the country’s Health Department in 2024. This move has forced thousands of diabetic patients to…