Noncommunicable diseases (NCDs) accounted for 74% of deaths worldwide in 2023, up from 58% in 2000, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO). The figures come from WHO’s latest Global Health Estimates, which track life expectancy, causes of death and disease burden from 2000 to 2023. Life expectancy returns to pre-pandemic levels Global life expectancy reached 73.3 years in 2023,…
Category: October 2026
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Medical Aid Contributions for 2027 from Discovery and Momentum
TWO of South Africa’s largest open medical schemes have unveiled their 2027 medical aid contribution increases. Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) is raising rates by an average weighted increase of 8.2%. Momentum Health is raising rates by 7.9%. Both framed the increases as a response to mounting medical inflation. Discovery: 8.2% on average DHMS contributions will rise between 7.4% and…
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GLP-1 Obesity Support Expanded by Vitality
Discovery Vitality is expanding GLP-1 obesity support as demand for anti-obesity medicines continues to rise among South African medical scheme members. The rewards programme says medication alone may not deliver lasting results. It is therefore adding doctor-led assessments to its HealthyWeight programme, alongside existing diet and exercise support. The assessment may result in a prescription for anti-obesity medication where clinically…
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AI in Healthcare: RFK Jr Wants Patients to Take Charge
US health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has set ambitious expectations for AI in healthcare, arguing it should help Americans make their own medical decisions. He wants every American to act as the chief executive of their own health, Bloomberg reported. Speaking at the MAHA Summit on Wednesday, Kennedy said doctors cannot review long medical records in short consultations. A…
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Medical Negligence Claims: Structured Settlements Proposed
The South African Law Reform Commission has recommended scrapping lump-sum payouts for medical negligence claims against the state. Instead, it proposes structured “pay as you go” settlements for public sector patients. In a long-awaited report, the commission put forward two bills. These would let patients and families seek redress through the courts or through a new administrative system run by…
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NHI Communications Contracts Face R182m Scrutiny
NHI communications contracts worth about R182m have come under scrutiny after reports that the National Department of Health redirected funding from several health programmes to pay two communications companies. Officials awarded the contracts to KMTV Media and Dots Design Agency in 2024 for a three-year public health communications programme. This programme included National Health Insurance (NHI) and broader health and…
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Netcare patient volumes support FY guidance
Netcare patient volumes increased in the 2026 financial year, helping the private hospital group remain on track to meet its full-year guidance. Total paid patient days (PPD) rose by about 1.6% for the year ended September, while acute PPD increased by approximately 0.8%. However, medical scheme measures to strengthen solvency constrained activity in the acute hospital portfolio. These measures included…