Tag: healthcare regulation

  • Mogalakwena Hospital Court Case Challenges Inspection Refusal

    Mogalakwena Health has launched urgent proceedings in the High Court. This follows after a newly built R165 million private hospital in Mokopane was prevented from opening. The company has cited Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi, acting National Health Department director-general Nicholas Crisp and Limpopo health authorities as respondents. Its application was filed in the Gauteng High Court in Pretoria. Mogalakwena Health…

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  • Telehealth GLP-1 Prescribing Sparks Safety Fears

    A Yale University study has identified serious weaknesses in how some telehealth providers prescribe GLP-1 weight-loss medications. The secret shopper study examined 49 online healthcare providers. Researchers used a fictional patient who met the clinical criteria for GLP-1 treatment. The findings suggest that several virtual clinics may be prioritising fast access to prescriptions over detailed medical care. This could expose…

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  • GEMS 2026 Contribution Increase Faces Regulatory Scrutiny

    The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has raised major concerns over a new financial proposal by the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS). The regulator warns that the revised GEMS 2026 contribution increase might threaten the long-term financial stability of South Africa’s largest medical scheme. Public sector unions have consistently pressured GEMS to protect members from rising costs. In response, GEMS…

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  • Concourt Ruling Strips Government Of Private Sector Controls

    South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) project has suffered a significant legal setback. The recent ConCourt Ruling confirmed that key provisions in the National Health Act are unconstitutional and invalid. The unanimous judgment was written by Justice Kate Savage. It upheld a high court order declaring sections 36 to 40 of the National Health Act inconsistent with the Constitution. These…

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  • Medically Assisted Dying: DignitySA Launches Court Bid

    Non-profit organisation DignitySA has filed a landmark lawsuit in the Pretoria High Court, seeking to decriminalise assisting terminally ill people in dying. This step is a crucial event in the broader debate around medically assisted dying. It also signifies a breakthrough in the ongoing national discussion about end-of-life treatment and patient autonomy. According to the organisation, existing bans are unconstitutional.…

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  • Discovery Health Claims Reversal follows member outcry

    Discovery Health Medical Scheme (DHMS) has reversed its controversial decision regarding claims overpayments. The administrator will now cover the costs after sustained member outcry and mounting public pressure. This marks a significant shift in strategy. The provision protects members on the scheme’s high-end plans Impact of Discovery Health Claims Processing Errors The issue centres on a processing mistake. This error…

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  • Bonitas Faces Investigation for Procurement Irregularities

    The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has officially launched a forensic investigation into Bonitas, the nation’s second-largest open medical scheme. Bonitas faces investigation over allegations of improper procurement processes related to a key contract for its low-income option. The investigation will focus specifically on a contract awarded by Bonitas to Private Health Administrators (PHA) for the administration of its Boncap…

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  • Medical Device Regulation and Its Importance Today

    Millions of medical devices are used daily in South Africa. These range from simple bandages to complex pacemakers. Patients often assume these products are tested and safe. However, a significant regulatory gap exists. This oversight can pose a substantial risk to public health. The urgent need for comprehensive medical device regulation is clear. Faulty devices create dangerous situations. For example,…

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  • CMS responds to Bonitas corruption allegations

    The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has responded to Michael Avery’s recent column titled “Anatomy of a scandal: Bonitas said to have lost Sanlam’s trust” (October 14), which questioned the regulatory body’s oversight and raised concerns about long-standing contracts in the medical scheme industry. Avery’s article insinuated that the CMS has been passive as a regulator. However, the CMS pointed…

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