The staffing crisis at Helen Joseph Hospital in Johannesburg has renewed fears over patient safety while spotlighting how Gauteng manages its public healthcare workers. Trauma unit head Dr Patricia Saffy issued a notice on 6 August 2026 advising certain patients to seek emergency care elsewhere. She acted on concerns over unpaid medical staff after doctors stopped reporting for duty. Reports…
Tag: Gauteng Health
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Unsafe Cosmetic Procedures Raise SA Health Alarm
The national Department of Health has raised concerns about unsafe cosmetic procedures taking place outside South Africa’s regulated healthcare system. Health officials warned that treatments involving unregistered practitioners or unregulated products could cause severe and potentially life-threatening complications. Department spokesperson Foster Mohale said the government does not oppose cosmetic surgery or aesthetic medicine. It recognises these procedures as healthcare services…
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NHLS Debt Crisis Puts Public Healthcare At Risk
The NHLS Debt Crisis is raising serious concerns about the stability of South Africa’s public healthcare system. By March, provincial health departments owed the National Health Laboratory Service about R11bn for critical services already provided. The NHLS plays a central role in public healthcare. It provides diagnostic testing, disease monitoring, outbreak support, HIV and TB programme services, forensic pathology expertise…
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NHLS Debt Crisis Threatens Public Health Laboratory Services
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) is facing an unprecedented financial emergency. Parliament has demanded immediate accountability from provincial health departments for debts of over R11 billion. This huge financial burden threatens the stability of South Africa’s public medical testing network. Understanding The NHLS Debt Crisis Impact The NHLS operates approximately 233 diagnostic laboratories across South Africa. These facilities provide…
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Diabetes Dashboard Launches To Speed Up Care In Public Clinics
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has launched a new Diabetes Dashboard to provide public health workers with near-real-time visibility into patient management across the country. According to the NHLS, the platform helps clinicians and programme managers spot poor glucose control earlier, allowing faster intervention. This tool arrives as civil society and health leaders increasingly frame diabetes as a national…
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Gauteng Malaria Crisis: Sharp Rise In Infections And Fatalities
Gauteng health authorities have issued an urgent public health alert due to a concerning rise in malaria cases in the province. Officials are describing the current situation as the Gauteng malaria crisis. People and health facilities are being urged to exercise maximum caution. Statistics indicate a concerning increase in both cases and deaths in the first quarter of 2026. Surveillance…
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Gauteng Surgical Backlog Reforms Target 36,000 Waiting List
The Gauteng Department of Health has launched a comprehensive strategy to overhaul surgical waiting times across the province. This initiative specifically addresses the Gauteng surgical backlog, with the public healthcare system grappling with over 30,600 patients awaiting surgery. While the figures are significant, officials maintain that these numbers reflect years of accumulated pressure rather than a sudden breakdown. The system…
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Gauteng Cardiac Surgery Outcomes and Controversies
The Gauteng Department of Health has issued a robust rebuttal to allegations regarding cardiac surgery outcomes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). Official representatives described recent comments made by the Democratic Alliance (DA) as both misleading and unverified. This dispute highlights a significant disagreement over clinical data and hospital performance within the province. DA Concerns Over Gauteng Cardiac Surgery…
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Charlotte Maxeke Cardiac Crisis: Alleged Failures at Major Hospital
Tensions reached a breaking point on Tuesday following a briefing by the Democratic Alliance (DA) regarding heart surgery outcomes at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital (CMJAH). The Charlotte Maxeke Cardiac Crisis was highlighted as the party alleged a severe collapse in surgical safety. Meanwhile, the Gauteng Department of Health insists that patient outcomes have significantly improved over the last two…
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George Mukhari Patient Death Exposes System Failures
South Africa’s public mental health system is back in the spotlight after the Health Ombud released findings into the George Mukhari Hospital death of 35-year-old Lerato Mohlamme, a psychiatric patient. She died from burn injuries after a fire at Dr George Mukhari Academic Hospital (DGMAH) in June 2024. The report paints a picture of routine cruelty and dangerous neglect. It…