Health insurance is now the fastest-growing segment of South Africa’s private healthcare market, driven by consumers seeking more affordable options than traditional medical aid. Momentum Health estimates the health insurance market is growing by 14% to 16% annually, significantly outpacing the largely stagnant medical scheme sector. Over 1.2 million principal members now hold health insurance policies, covering nearly 2 million…
Tag: Healthcare Innovation
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Antibiotic Resistance In Salmonella Tied To Climate Change
A groundbreaking international study has revealed a worrying link between climate change and global health threats. Rising temperatures and altered rainfall patterns are actively accelerating the spread of dangerous, hard-to-treat infections. The comprehensive research was published this week in The Lancet Planetary Health. A collaborative team from several prominent institutions led the work. These included the Chinese Academy of Sciences…
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AI Diagnostic Tools Outperform Doctors In Hospital Study
In a landmark experiment, South African researchers have revealed that artificial intelligence now surpasses human doctors in hospital ward diagnoses. The study took place at a large public hospital. It suggests that AI Diagnostic Tools could soon become essential for reducing the workloads of overstretched healthcare staff. While free chatbots often provide unreliable health advice, these commercially available systems proved…
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Daraxonrasib Pancreatic Cancer Results: A Historic Breakthrough
Every so often, a medical advance is so significant that it gives seasoned oncologists chills. This is currently the case for Revolution Medicines and their experimental therapy, daraxonrasib. In a recent late-stage study, the drug allowed patients with advanced disease to live twice as long as those receiving standard chemotherapy. For a field where progress is often measured in mere…
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Intercare CEO Hendri Hanekom to Lead Strategic Expansion
Intercare, a private healthcare provider, has announced its first leadership transition in 25 years. The company has appointed Hendri Hanekom as the new CEO, effective from 1 April. Hanekom is a veteran of the organisation. He has spent nearly 18 years with the company. His journey is a testament to internal growth and dedication. He began his career in entry-level…
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African Genomics Research Promotes Diversity in Science
The University of Cape Town (UCT) has officially launched a landmark training initiative in African genomics research designed to address the stark lack of diversity in global genetic science. The **African Genomics Short Course (AGSC)** commenced at the Faculty of Health Sciences on 1 December. This 10-day programme represents a strategic effort to decolonise medical research and empower a new…
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Traditional Healer Uses AI for Medicinal Plant Identification
In a pioneering move that merges centuries-old healing practices with cutting-edge technology, Onke Simandla, a traditional healer, has demonstrated how a traditional healer uses AI. He achieved this by developing an innovative artificial intelligence (AI) app capable of identifying medicinal plants. This remarkable achievement formed the basis of his recently awarded master’s degree from the University of Fort Hare. It…