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: healthcare workforce
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Healthcare Worker Migration Crisis: Beyond The Brain Drain
Africa faces a profound challenge in retaining the healthcare professionals required to sustain its population. The World Health Organisation (WHO) predicts a global shortfall of 11 million health workers by 2030. Alarmingly, Africa is expected to bear the brunt of this, with a predicted shortage of 5 to 6 million workers. This shortfall is not merely a number. It is…
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Cardio-Oncologist Shortage Hits Cancer Care
South Africa is recording a steady rise in cancer diagnoses, with more than 100,000 new cases reported each year. An ageing population is a major driver. Lifestyle risks are adding to the trend. That growing burden is falling on a health system already under pressure in both public and private care. A less visible threat is also building. South Africa’s…
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Addressing gaps in South Africa’s primary healthcare system
One issue remains clear amid the debate over South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI): Primary healthcare is vital for creating a sustainable and equitable health system. However, achieving this will require significant investment in workforce training, healthcare delivery, and system reform. Primary healthcare (PHC) differs from the traditional medical model in that it focuses on community involvement and addresses the…