Budget cuts by the National Treasury are making it hard for provincial health departments to fill key positions, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament. This shortage puts pressure on healthcare staff and causes longer patient waiting times. In a written response to questions from Action SA MP Kgosi Letlape, Motsoaledi said provinces are struggling with fewer doctors, nurses, and managers.…
Category: September 2024
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Big Pharma not investing in future pandemic vaccines
Covid-19 showed how vital vaccines are. The pandemic caused 16 million deaths worldwide. The current concern around Mpox highlights people’s fear of new outbreaks. However, major drug companies are not investing enough in vaccines for future pandemics. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that the next virus could be 20 times deadlier than Covid-19. Scientists call this unknown virus “Disease…
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Rising cancer cases among black South Africans demand action
The number of cancer cases among black South Africans has risen sharply in recent years. Colon cancer, in particular, is claiming more lives, highlighting the need for better prevention and treatment. Several factors contribute to the growing cancer burden. These include lifestyle changes, such as unhealthy diets, lack of exercise, and increased alcohol and tobacco use. Environmental exposure to pollutants…
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Closing healthcare gaps will require a system overhaul
The Hospital Association of South Africa Conference highlighted the need for a complete system change to address healthcare inequalities. Speakers at the event focused on practical steps to bridge the gap between public and private healthcare. Only 15% of South Africans have private medical aid, leaving 85% dependent on the strained public system. Some suggest making medical aid compulsory for…
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BUSA concerned over National Health Insurance debate
Business Unity South Africa (BUSA) has voiced strong concerns about negative comments aimed at those raising issues with the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. BUSA says it is essential to question if the NHI is the right way to provide universal health coverage. The organisation believes these concerns are responsible and necessary to ensure the NHI is practical and sustainable.…
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BUSA criticises government’s handling of NHI Act
Business Unity SA (Busa) has expressed disappointment with the government’s response to the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. Busa CEO Cas Coovadia criticised the government for not engaging in discussions about the NHI and for the hostile rhetoric against those questioning the Act. Coovadia stated that raising concerns about the NHI is necessary to ensure the plan is viable and…
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The current state and future impact of AI in South Africa
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly transforming healthcare in South Africa, moving from hype to practical applications. AI is now assisting doctors by detecting tumours in routine X-rays, offering more accurate diagnoses, and even acting as a chatbot for booking appointments and providing therapy. AI’s most significant impact in South Africa is seen in tuberculosis (TB) screening, with AI tools like…
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How NHI can bridge South Africa’s healthcare gaps
Recent articles from The Citizen, titled “NHI: What About Critical Meds” and “Can NHI Provide Meds for 9m?”, raised concerns about the National Health Insurance (NHI) system’s ability to provide essential medication for nine million South Africans, who represent only 14.2% of the population. These questions, however, miss the bigger picture and seem to push a self-interested narrative, raising doubts…
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US healthcare costs soar to decade highs
Healthcare costs in the United States are rising alarmingly, with a recent survey revealing that large employers expect an 8% increase in 2025. The situation is even more dire for small businesses, with data from investment bank Stephens predicting a 12% jump. This surge in healthcare expenses is the fastest seen in a decade and poses significant challenges for employers…
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Gauteng reports alarming HIV prevalence among 50-54-year-olds
Gauteng has recorded a significant HIV prevalence among residents aged 50 to 54, according to the sixth South African HIV Prevalence, Incidence, and Behaviour Survey for the province, released by the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC). The study, led by Professor Khangelani Zuma, revealed a worrying HIV prevalence peak of 32.2% in 2022 among residents in the 50-54 age group.…
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Aspen Pharmacare to boost medicine and vaccine development
Aspen Pharmacare, a leading multinational pharmaceutical company, has secured a €500 million (R9.9 billion) loan package from a development finance consortium led by the World Bank’s International Finance Corporation (IFC). This substantial funding will further enhance Aspen’s efforts to develop and manufacture medicines and vaccines for the African continent. This new financing follows a €600 million long-term debt package Aspen…
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AfroCentric reports mixed results amid strategic investments
AfroCentric, a leading investment holding company in South Africa’s healthcare sector, has reported mixed financial results for the year ending June 2024. Despite significant impairments that impacted overall profitability, the company saw an improvement in headline earnings, signalling a gradual recovery in the South African pharmaceutical sector to pre-pandemic levels. In 2023, Sanlam acquired a controlling stake in AfroCentric, which…