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…
Tag: Budget Cuts
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WHO Cuts Jobs and Restructures Operations
The World Health Organisation (WHO) is undertaking a major restructuring that includes over 1,000 job losses. It also involves relocating four key departments from its headquarters in Geneva. These changes are due to severe budget cuts following the United States’ decision to leave the agency. Internal documents reveal the global health body is scaling back its operations. It must streamline…
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Unemployed Doctors Struggle Amid Workforce Shortages
A significant investment in South Africa’s future healthcare has been left in limbo. Hundreds of newly qualified, state-funded doctors are unable to find employment in the public sector. These unemployed doctors face challenges as they struggle to secure positions despite the urgent need in medical institutions. In the Free State alone, more than 20 doctors trained in Cuba under the…
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Unpaid bills threaten medical tests as NHLS struggles
The parliamentary health committee recently learned that provincial health departments, except for the Western Cape, owe the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) R8.9 billion in unpaid debts. CEO Dr. Koleka Mlisana deems this growing debt “unsustainable,” especially given expected budget cuts that will impact funding for essential laboratory services. The NHLS conducts vital medical tests for state hospitals and clinics…