Category: September 2024

The domestic unit of the multinational nonprofit organisation, Interactive Research and Development SA (IRD SA) has agreed to pay more than R10 million to US authorities after being accused of submitting false claims to the US Agency for International Development (USAID). This settlement follows allegations that IRD SA “knowingly submitted false claims” for work not performed under a cooperative agreement…

Business Unity South Africa (Busa) has expressed optimism following its meeting with President Cyril Ramaphosa and other government officials to discuss the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. Busa welcomed the government’s openness to engage on the contentious legislation and, at the president’s request, will submit a proposal to address its concerns. The meeting, attended by President Ramaphosa, Health Minister Aaron…

The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), South Africa’s medical scheme industry regulator, has declined a request from the Autoimmune Alliance of SA (AASA) to issue clear guidance on funding expensive biologic treatments for autoimmune diseases. CMS emphasized that each case must be assessed on its own merits, rejecting a blanket directive for funding. The AASA has been actively lobbying the…

As the 79th UN General Assembly convened on September 10, global attention shifted towards achieving universal health coverage (UHC) by 2030 – a critical goal of the sustainable development agenda. With just over five years remaining, the focus is on strengthening health systems, particularly in low- and middle-income countries, many of which are in Africa. Universal health coverage aims to…

The Department of Health paid R2.7 billion in medical-related legal claims last year. In 2013, it was only R265 million, the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) told the standing committee on public accounts (Scopa). SIU head, Advocate Andy Mothibi, revealed evidence of collusion between lawyers, touts, nurses, and doctors in public and private healthcare. Some law firms withdrew claims after SIU…

Only Parliament can change the National Health Insurance (NHI) by passing amendment legislation. No amount of meetings between President Cyril Ramaphosa and organised business will alter this. However, Ramaphosa is aware of the dissatisfaction with the NHI. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s rigid stance has frustrated business leaders. After a meeting with Motsoaledi, Ramaphosa told the National Council of Provinces (NCOP)…

Every day, nearly 365 teenage girls give birth in South Africa. Of these, 10 are younger than 15. These statistics come from the 2022/2023 District Health Barometer, which provides an overview of public health services in the country. Teen pregnancy rates are a key measure of a country’s healthcare system. Although global rates have fallen, South Africa still sees about…

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has called on governments to end childhood malnutrition. Simple, affordable solutions can help children reach their potential and drive economic growth. In South Africa, child malnutrition is a serious issue. The 2016 SA Demographic and Health Survey found that 27% of children under five are stunted. Stunting means children are too short for their…

Gauteng’s health department is under fire after a viral social media video exposed the crumbling state of public hospitals. The video, shared by Tom London, has caused global outrage. It highlights the severe decay in healthcare facilities, leaving patients and healthcare workers in terrible conditions. Hospitals are falling apart Despite the crisis, the department failed to spend R2.7 billion of…

The Gauteng health department has reported R25 billion in irregular spending over the last three years while underspending its budget by over R6.4 billion. This financial mismanagement has left some hospitals struggling to afford basic supplies like taps and toilet paper. Recently, Tim London, a patient at Helen Joseph Hospital, shared a video highlighting the poor conditions and unprofessional behaviour…

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has pledged to deliver a 10-year plan to improve the National Health Service (NHS). However, he emphasised that without significant reforms, the struggling system would not receive more funding. A recent independent report found the NHS in a critical state. The NHS has faced significant challenges in recent years. It has struggled with the aftermath…

Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has said South Africa needs a new system for dealing with medical negligence claims. Instead of going through the courts, expert panels could assess claims. This would reduce long, uncertain court battles and ensure fair compensation. Medico-legal claims against public and private healthcare have increased over the last decade. These claims strain provincial health budgets and…