Multiple sources are warning South African consumers to brace for continued high increases in their medical aid premiums. Experts expect costs to keep rising significantly faster than general inflation. The caution comes from Adrian Gore, CEO of Discovery, the country’s largest medical scheme administrator. He suggests that the underlying drivers of medical inflation continue to be a persistent challenge for…
Category: September 2025
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SA’s Health System Under Strain Amid 25,000 Vacancies
South Africa’s public health system is under strain. It is buckling under the immense pressure of more than 25,000 critical staff vacancies, shrinking budgets, and a staggering national debt of R24 billion in accruals. An investigation into provincial health departments reveals a sector in crisis. Dwindling resources are colliding with overwhelming patient demand. This forces the postponement of essential medical…
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Dementia Increasing in Africa: Causes and Solutions
Dementia is increasing in Africa and the Middle East faster than in any other region in the world. This was a stark warning highlighted at the 17th International Federation on Ageing (IFA) conference, held for the first time on African soil in Cape Town. However, the resounding message from global experts is one of hope and empowerment. Up to 45%…
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Microneedle Eyedrop Delivery System an alternative to eyedrops
A pioneering microneedle patch, designed to dissolve upon contact with the eye, could soon replace inefficient traditional eye drops. Developed by a researcher at the University of the Witwatersrand (Wits), this innovative microneedle eyedrop delivery system holds the potential to revolutionise treatment for millions facing vision loss. This is particularly impactful in underserved communities across Africa. The invention is the…
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Kempton Park Hospital Security Under Public Scrutiny
The Gauteng health department is under fire for spending more than R35 million on security guards at the derelict Kempton Park Hospital. This facility has stood empty and abandoned for nearly three decades. Despite the exorbitant cost of Kempton Park Hospital’s security, the building has been ravaged by vandals. It has been stripped of its fittings and covered in graffiti,…
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Discovery Group’s Strong Growth Delivers 30% Profit Surge
Discovery Group has reported a robust financial performance for the year ending in June. It showcased the Discovery Group’s strong growth with a 30% increase in headline earnings to R9.6 billion. A key milestone in the results was Discovery Bank achieving its first profitable period in the second half of the year. This was a significant achievement reached ahead of…
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Shortage of Medical Specialists in KZN Creating Waiting Lists
An alarming shortage of medical specialists across KwaZulu-Natal’s major government hospitals is creating a public health crisis. Tens of thousands of patients face dangerously long waiting times for critical care. The situation poses a “serious risk” to the public, according to Dr Imran Keeka, the DA’s spokesperson on health in the KZN legislature. Recent replies from Health MEC Nomagugu Simelane…
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Cheaper Weight-Loss Drugs for Global Health Needs
\n\nThe decision directly affects the popular GLP-1 agonist drugs, including the active ingredients in brands like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro. \n\n\n\nThe WHO’s recommendation aims to pressure pharmaceutical giants to lower prices and encourage the production of affordable generic versions. This is particularly important for people in developing countries, where they are needed most.\n\n\n\nThis move underscores the severity of the global…
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‘Certificate of Need’ Faces Constitutional Court Battle
The future of where doctors can practise and where hospitals can be built in South Africa hangs in the balance. The Constitutional Court is considering the validity of the controversial “Certificate of Need” (CoN) provisions within the National Health Act. The top court heard arguments on Tuesday regarding a law that could force medical professionals to work in underserved rural…
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Africa’s Cholera Crisis Deepens as 2025 Death Toll Rises
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has issued a stark warning. They declare cholera the continent’s leading public health threat as case numbers and fatalities continue to soar in 2025. Africa’s Cholera Crisis is becoming increasingly severe. The specialised healthcare agency of the African Union revealed in a recent briefing a concerning detail. The death toll…
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Mpox Global Emergency Downgraded by World Health Officials
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has announced that mpox is no longer a public health emergency of international concern, its highest level of alert. The decision comes after a significant and sustained fall in infection rates in key African nations. WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, confirmed the downgrade. The organisation’s Emergency Committee recommended it. The World Health Organisation (WHO)…
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Good NHI Governance is Crucial to Restoring Trust
If the government is serious about rebuilding public trust in the health sector, it must begin with a critical overhaul of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act’s governance framework. Good NHI governance is imperative for healthcare reform. This call for accountability echoes the loudest demand from the nation’s first national convention in August: a demand for better governance. The convention,…