A healthcare consensus initiative aims to secure agreement on universal health coverage by year-end while coordinating action to improve failing services. Backed by President Cyril Ramaphosa, the independent, confidential process involves about 70 organisations and prominent individuals. The 18-month health consensus-building initiative (HCBI) brings together stakeholders divided over healthcare reform, including the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. However, it offers…
Tag: Healthcare Governance
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Medical Indemnity: Managing South Africa’s Liability Risks
Medical indemnity remains a key practice-management concern in South Africa, where negligence claims expose public budgets and private providers to different financial risks. For provincial health departments, compensation payments compete with spending on patient services. Meanwhile, private practitioners rely on their own liability and indemnity arrangements. However, international comparisons require caution. American physician surveys measure doctors’ experience of litigation, while…
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NHLS Governance Crisis Prompts Ministerial Intervention
The NHLS governance crisis has prompted Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to appoint three senior figures to address deteriorating oversight and financial management. The intervention follows missed deadlines for the National Health Laboratory Service’s 2025/26 financial statements and annual report. Meanwhile, provincial health departments owe the organisation R10.6 billion, threatening its financial sustainability. The NHLS provides almost all diagnostic testing for…
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GEMS principal officer suspended
The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has placed its principal officer, Stan Moloabi, on precautionary suspension while it completes an internal administrative process. GEMS confirmed the decision on Tuesday but did not disclose the nature of the process. Moloabi also confirmed his suspension. The scheme has appointed its chief operating officer, Dr Vuyo Gqola, as acting principal officer. Meanwhile, the…
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Hospital CEO Vacancies Raise Governance Concerns
More than 50 public hospitals across South Africa are operating without permanent chief executives. The issue of hospital CEO vacancies is raising concerns about leadership, accountability, and patient services in an already-strained health system. Provincial health departments have blamed budget pressures, austerity measures and controls on employee compensation. These constraints have delayed the appointment of permanent senior managers. Acting executives…
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Bonitas Tender Dispute Puts Scheme Governance Under Spotlight
The Bonitas Tender Dispute has placed fresh scrutiny on major operational changes at South Africa’s second-largest open medical scheme. The legal matter between Medscheme and Bonitas Medical Scheme was expected to be heard this week. It has now been postponed again. At the centre of the case are four tenders. These shifted key Bonitas functions away from Medscheme and other…
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National Department Of Health Leadership: A Critical Crisis
The atmosphere surrounding South Africa’s healthcare governance has been strained for several years. The National Department of Health (NDoH) has failed to secure a clean audit for five consecutive years. High-profile scandals, including the Digital Vibes controversy and disputed oxygen tenders, have defined this period. Recent events have further destabilised the organisation. The suspension of the Director-General and the Chief…
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NHI Act Implementation: Addressing Healthcare Gaps
The legal journey of the National Health Insurance (NHI) has hit a significant pause. Following a High Court order, the South African government has agreed to halt the proclamation and implementation of the Act. This suspension will remain in place until the Constitutional Court rules on challenges regarding public participation. While the delay is legally rooted, it highlights a deeper…
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NHI Corruption Risks Heightened By Home Affairs Scandal, Arrests
The integrity of South Africa’s future healthcare system is under intense scrutiny. Recent investigations by the Special Investigating Unit (SIU) have exposed deep-seated rot within the Department of Home Affairs. These findings provide a grim reminder of the systemic challenges facing South African governance. For the healthcare industry, these revelations are particularly troubling, highlighting the risks of NHI corruption. They…
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Gauteng Patients Face Alarming Spike in Adverse Events
Gauteng’s public healthcare system is facing intense scrutiny. This follows the revelation that Gauteng patients suffered 7,386 Serious Adverse Events (SAEs) in state hospitals between April 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025. The figures, confirmed by Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu Nkomo-Ralehoko, represent a troubling increase from the 7,117 incidents reported in the previous year. Despite thousands of…