Depression costs at GEMS rose 198% since 2019, and experts say mental healthcare must be easier to access and integrated into primary care. Rising demand for mental healthcare is driving sharp cost increases, with the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) paying R2.75bn for depression treatment in 2025. That is a 198% increase on the R923.9m it paid in 2019. Metropolitan…
Tag: Depression
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The Depression Treatment Gap affects Millions in South Africa
New modelling suggests South Africa’s depression burden remains large, even as prevalence has edged down slightly over two decades. One important issue is the depression treatment gap, which still affects many living with the condition. Estimates indicate depression among people aged 15 and older fell from about 5.1% in 2002 to 4.5% in 2024. That still translates to more than…
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Perinatal Mental Health: Risks and Solutions in Pregnancy
As National Pregnancy Week runs from 3-7 February, the South African Society of Psychiatrists (Sasop) is calling on healthcare providers and expectant mothers to treat perinatal mental health symptoms in pregnancy as urgent medical issues. The society says between 16% and 50% of women in South Africa experience depression or anxiety during pregnancy. It adds that up to one in…
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Netcare’s mental health services in high demand
Private hospital group Netcare has highlighted a continued and robust demand for mental healthcare services across South Africa. This signals a growing public health concern as more individuals seek help for conditions previously shrouded in stigma. The report comes amidst wider calls for systemic reform to address the nation’s deepening mental health crisis. In a recent trading update, Netcare confirmed…