Retail pharmacy competition is intensifying in South Africa as Dis-Chem and Clicks expand loyalty discounts and compete for prescription volumes. Dis-Chem CEO Rui Morais also sees a longer-term threat from Shoprite, whose Checkers Sixty60 app already has millions of customers accustomed to ordering from their phones. Morais expects Shoprite to add medicine delivery eventually. He says pharmacist sign-off requirements and…
Category: News
Daily news on medical schemes, pharmaceuticals, hospitals, policy and regulation.
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Value-Based Care Can Advance Reform Before NHI
Value-based care could help South Africa improve private healthcare affordability before National Health Insurance (NHI) disputes are resolved, an industry commentary argues. The commentary urges medical schemes, funders and providers to redesign payment arrangements within existing frameworks. It contends that pooling funds under NHI will not control costs unless purchasing incentives also change. A larger purchaser paying for each service…
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KeyHealth Ordered to Fully Fund Teenager’s Rare-Disease Treatment
A KeyHealth PMB ruling requires the medical scheme to fund a teenager’s rare blood disorder treatment in full, without membership conditions. The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) appeals committee issued its decision on 29 October. However, KeyHealth has notified the registrar that it intends to appeal to the CMS appeals board. The case involves a 15-year-old with paroxysmal nocturnal haemoglobinuria,…
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Aspen Sells European Ovestin Rights, Retains Supply Role
The Aspen Ovestin sale will transfer European commercial rights to Ennogen Healthcare International for €197 million, while Aspen retains manufacturing and supply contracts. Wholly owned subsidiary Aspen Global will sell the commercialisation rights and associated intellectual property. The price equates to approximately R3.7 billion, with related inventory adding an estimated €4 million. However, completion depends on Ennogen’s funding arrangements becoming…
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Healthcare Consensus Initiative Seeks Common Ground
A healthcare consensus initiative aims to secure agreement on universal health coverage by year-end while coordinating action to improve failing services. Backed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the independent, confidential process involves about 70 organisations and prominent individuals. The 18-month health consensus-building initiative (HCBI) brings together stakeholders divided over healthcare reform, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. However, it offers…
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Dis-Chem digital platform targets growth
The Dis-Chem digital platform will bring prescription orders and retail purchases together as the group seeks higher spending and further market share gains. Dis-Chem has invested about R240m in rebuilding its digital infrastructure. Its new app aims to connect product searches, prescription submissions, shopping, checkout and fulfilment through one platform. Previously, separate pharmacy and front-shop processes complicated online purchases. CEO…
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Medicine Shortages Prompt the Province to Seek National Intervention
Medicine shortages have prompted the Western Cape government to seek urgent national intervention, including an investigation into possible port delays affecting imported medicines. Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger has asked Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to help identify logistical obstacles and prioritise medicine consignments. Her request highlights concerns about the Port of Durban. However, authorities have yet to establish the…
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China clinical trials draw global drugmakers
China clinical trials are attracting international drugmakers seeking faster patient recruitment and lower costs, while raising questions about safety oversight and transparency. China accounted for 45% of new clinical trials for innovative medicines in 2025, according to pharmaceutical data provider Norstella. Its share stood below 5% in 2008. Meanwhile, McKinsey estimates that Phase 1 costs per patient in China are…
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Six Factors Driving Medical Scheme Increases in 2027
Medical scheme increases for 2027 range from 7.35% to 8.9%, as rising healthcare utilisation, ageing membership and expensive new treatments continue to push costs above inflation. Industry representatives say schemes must raise contributions to cover growing claims expenditure. According to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), healthcare costs can absorb up to R96 of every R100 contributed. Why Medical Scheme…
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GLP-1 Obesity Treatment Review Yet to Start in SA
South Africa has yet to begin assessing GLP-1 obesity treatment for public sector patients, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending these medicines for long-term obesity management in December 2025. The Department of Health is considering adding GLP-1 medicines to its essential medicines list for diabetes treatment. However, it has not started evaluating their use specifically for obesity. Rebone Ntsie,…
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Aspen Manufacturing to Drive 2027 Growth After mRNA Loss
Aspen manufacturing is expected to drive the group’s earnings growth in the 2027 financial year, as the company works to replace business lost when a major mRNA production contract ended. Aspen Pharmacare forecasts that manufacturing EBITDA will more than double this year, according to its 2026 integrated report. Sterile Operations Offset Contract Loss In the year to end-June, factory EBITDA…
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District Health Leadership: Tackling Fear in Frontline Care
District health leadership needs greater investment to help South Africa’s frontline managers improve care and prepare for National Health Insurance (NHI). According to Spotlight, researchers and health managers are testing approaches that replace punitive supervision with collaboration and trust. Their work addresses a persistent problem: facilities provide patient care, while provincial offices retain much financial and administrative authority. As a…