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: November 2026
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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…