South Africa’s National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) reported an ongoing disruption to its TrakCare information system. The outage left health professionals across the public sector unable to access patient results, disrupting routine care and time-critical decision-making. The NHLS provides diagnostic pathology services nationwide. It supports public facilities through a network of more than 300 laboratories. Because public sector clinicians rely…
Category: March 2026
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Conjoined Twins Separation Marks Historic Limpopo Breakthrough
A major surgical milestone has been recorded in Limpopo after conjoined identical twin boys were successfully separated at Mankweng Tertiary Hospital outside Polokwane. Professor Nyaweleni Tshifularo, the lead surgeon, confirmed the operation was a success. The twins were born on 28 January 2026. They were conjoined and shared a liver, intestines and blood vessels. The separation surgery took place on…
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HIV Prevention Shot Lenacapavir: Aspen Warns of Demand Risks
South Africa’s leading generic drug manufacturer, Aspen Pharmacare, has issued a stark warning regarding the local production of a breakthrough medical treatment. The company asserts that local firms require guaranteed demand to manufacture the HIV prevention shot lenacapavir sustainably. South Africa was notably absent from the initial round of voluntary licences. In 2024, the patent holder, Gilead Sciences, awarded licences…
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SA Professional Stress Index: A New Persistent Reality
A new study has revealed a troubling shift in the mental well-being of the nation’s workforce. According to the SA Professional Stress Index, conducted by Profmed, stress is no longer a series of isolated incidents. Instead, for over 4,000 surveyed professionals, it has become a “persistent, multilayered reality”. The report highlights a growing cohort of experts who spend prolonged periods…
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African Health Funding Shift: Nonprofits Battle Aid Declines
In East London, Lesley-Ann Foster is packing away decades of patient records. Her nonprofit, Masimanyane Women’s Rights International, is facing a crisis. This situation is becoming common across the continent. A massive shift in African health funding is fundamentally changing how medical services are delivered to the most vulnerable. For thirty years, Masimanyane provided a lifeline for survivors of sexual…
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Afrigen Business Rescue: Cape Town Biotech Firm Seeks Investors
The Cape Town-based biotechnology firm, Afrigen Biologics, has officially entered business rescue. This move follows the financial collapse of the Avacare group, which holds a 51% majority stake in the company. The Industrial Development Corporation (IDC) holds the remaining 49% share. Afrigen gained international acclaim in 2022. It successfully developed an mRNA COVID-19 vaccine using publicly available data from Moderna.…
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NHI Act Implementation: Addressing Healthcare Gaps
The legal journey of the National Health Insurance (NHI) has hit a significant pause. Following a High Court order, the South African government has agreed to halt the proclamation and implementation of the Act. This suspension will remain in place until the Constitutional Court rules on challenges regarding public participation. While the delay is legally rooted, it highlights a deeper…
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The Global Funding Crisis: Rebuilding Multilateral Institutions
The landscape of global healthcare is currently facing a seismic shift. In recent weeks, a surge of commentary from high-profile industry leaders has emerged, with many discussions centred on the global funding crisis and its impact. These “big-hitters” are all grappling with a singular, urgent question: how should the future of multilateral health institutions be redesigned? Prominent voices include Philippe…
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Health Department Suspensions Follow Senior Official’s Arrests
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has officially confirmed several suspensions at the Health Department. This follows the recent arrests of high-ranking officials. The charges involve alleged fraud and theft. Motsoaledi placed Director-General Sandile Buthelezi and two other senior figures on precautionary suspension. This move follows their court appearance last week. The suspensions aim to protect the integrity of the department. They…
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Aspen Pharmacare Asset Disposals: Future Opportunities
Multinational pharmaceutical giant Aspen Pharmacare is prepared to further streamline its global operations. While the company has not officially hoisted a “for sale” sign, leadership has indicated it remains open to further Aspen Pharmacare asset disposals if the price is right. This strategic openness follows the landmark sale of its Asia-Pacific (APAC) division. The R26.5 billion transaction serves as a…
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Chronic Respiratory Diseases: A Silent Health Crisis
Across South Africa and the globe, a silent scourge is devastating public health. Chronic respiratory diseases (CRDs), including asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), remain significantly underreported. Despite their prevalence, they receive far less attention than infectious diseases. In South Africa, CRDs account for 4% of all annual deaths. Data from 2019 reveals 20,149 deaths linked to these conditions.…
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GEMS Contribution Increases Spark Talks With Unions
GEMS is currently the largest restricted medical scheme in South Africa. It serves nearly 2.45 million beneficiaries. Membership is strictly limited to public servants and their dependants. To encourage membership, government departments provide subsidies of up to two-thirds of the monthly cost. However, this benefit is only available to those who remain with GEMS. The current conflict stems from GEMS’…