Avoidable blindness in Africa remains one of the continent’s most serious eye health challenges. Millions of people continue to experience vision loss caused by cataracts, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy and uncorrected refractive errors. Many of these conditions can be treated or managed when detected early. However, patients often reach specialists after significant vision loss has already occurred. Ophthalmologist Dr Mpopi Lenake…
Tag: Healthcare Access
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Healthcare Access During Protests: SAMA Issues Warning
The South African Medical Association has called for stronger protection of healthcare workers and patients during anti-immigration marches expected across the country. SAMA said medical professionals must be able to work without threats, intimidation or political interference. It also stressed that all patients should be able to reach healthcare facilities safely. Access should not depend on nationality or immigration status.…
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South Africa Pharmacy Chains Shift Beyond Saturated Suburbs
South Africa’s biggest pharmacy retailers are redesigning how and where they grow. With suburban shopping centres offering fewer new sites, South African pharmacy chains are moving beyond the familiar middle- and upper-income customer base that has fuelled expansion for years. Clicks and Dis-Chem still dominate the dispensary market, but both groups now face a tougher question: where does the next…
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Dis-Chem Better Rewards Programme Drives Revenue
Dis-Chem says a revamped loyalty strategy is translating into faster growth and market share gains. The retailer reported a 10.1% increase in group revenue in the 24 weeks to mid-February, supported by strong wholesale momentum and an uplift in retail performance linked to its new Better Rewards programme. Group retail revenue rose 9.5% in the period. Wholesale revenue increased 15.7%,…
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GEMS Tariff Intervention Underway Amid Affordability Concerns
The South African government has stepped into the controversy surrounding sharp increases in contributions to the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). Public Service and Administration Minister Mzamo Buthelezi told Parliament that officials will engage with GEMS trustees regarding what he called “unaffordable tariffs.” This follows a 9.8% hike in GEMS member contributions this year, on top of a 13.4% increase…
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Health Innovation Award for Uhu Health’s Achievements
Global Health and Pharma (GHP) has named Johannesburg-based innovator Uhu Health the “Health Consumer Advocacy Innovator of the Year 2025,” a significant recognition of South Africa’s growing influence in digital healthcare. This health innovation award highlights the groundbreaking work innovators are doing in the region. The international award, now in its 10th year, honours companies that demonstrate exceptional resilience, leadership,…
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Global Pandemic Treaty: A New Era of Cooperation
In April, World Health Organisation (WHO) member states concluded the negotiations for a new pandemic treaty, often referred to as the Global Pandemic Treaty. These demonstrate a crucial capacity for nations to unite despite escalating geopolitical tensions. Precious Matsoso, co-chair of the negotiating body, delivered this key message at the annual Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) conference in Cape Town.…
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Affordable TB Medicines: South Africa’s Patent Battle
South Africa’s battle for affordable TB medicines echoes the country’s earlier struggle to expand access to HIV treatment. During the late 1990s and early 2000s, South Africa faced an uncontrolled AIDS epidemic. The crisis was worsened by the government’s rejection of the scientific consensus on HIV/AIDS. Under former President Thabo Mbeki, many public-sector patients were denied access to life-saving antiretroviral…