The SA pharma sector remains unfazed. South Africa’s largest trade association for pharmaceutical manufacturers has stated that it foresees no immediate risk to the local sector. This follows the announcement of sweeping tariffs by US President Donald Trump last week. According to Stavros Nicolaou, Chair of the Pharmaceutical Task Group (PTG), several factors mitigate the impact on the nation’s drug…
Tag: healthcare
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South Africa intensifies fight against tuberculosis
With less than five years remaining to achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, South Africa faces a critical challenge: ending the tuberculosis (TB) epidemic. The goal is ambitious: an 80% reduction in TB incidence and a 90% decline in TB deaths compared with 2015 levels. While South Africa has made remarkable strides, halving the number of TB patients between…
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FDA warns Aspen Pharmacare over eye drop production standards
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has raised serious concerns regarding the manufacturing standards of eye drops produced by Aspen Pharmacare at its sterile facility in Gqeberha, South Africa. In a warning letter, the FDA highlighted potential risks of microbial contamination due to inadequate controls. The FDA’s warning letter, published following a September audit, revealed that Aspen’s manufacturing processes…
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SA confident of HIV treatment goals despite aid cuts
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has reassured Parliament that he is confident in achieving its ambitious HIV treatment targets despite recent cuts in US aid. The minister’s assurance comes as a response to concerns raised by MPs regarding the potential impact of US funding reductions on South Africa’s healthcare system. South Africa aims to provide treatment to an additional 1.1 million…
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Pharmaceutical industry fights to shield drugs from tariffs
Pharmaceutical giants are actively lobbying the Trump administration and European Union officials to exclude medical goods from escalating trade disputes. They fear significant price increases and restricted patient access to essential medications. The industry’s concerns centre on the potential impact of tariffs on top-selling drugs like Novo Nordisk’s Wegovy for weight loss and Merck’s cancer immunotherapy Keytruda. In discussions with…
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NHI’s absence from budget raises questions about its future
While Budget 2025 covered numerous sectors, the notable absence of National Health Insurance (NHI) from Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s speech has sparked significant discussion. Despite its omission from the speech, references to NHI are present within the medium-term expenditure framework, signalling its continued, albeit challenged, presence in the government’s long-term plans. NHI: More aspiration than reality? Craig Comrie, CEO of…
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US foreign aid pause threatens global HIV treatment
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has issued a stark warning regarding the impact of the Trump administration’s decision to pause US foreign aid. This pause has “substantially disrupted” the supply of life-saving HIV treatment in eight countries, placing millions at risk. According to the WHO, Haiti, Kenya, Lesotho, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mali, Nigeria, and Ukraine are facing imminent shortages…
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Scathing report reveals Helen Joseph Hospital’s dirty secrets
An investigation report released by the health ombud on Monday reveals that Johannesburg’s Helen Joseph Hospital is severely under-resourced and poorly managed, making it unfit for purpose. DA politician Jack Bloom and health activists have long expressed concerns about the hospital. However, it only gained significant attention in September when former radio talk show host Thomas Holmes, also known as…
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Cosatu’s stand against NHI amendments: A political showdown
The battle over South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Act has escalated, with the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) refusing to support any amendments. As President Cyril Ramaphosa weighs potential revisions in talks with the Democratic Alliance (DA), Cosatu warns that altering the legislation could destabilise the ruling tripartite alliance. The NHI Act, which aims to provide universal…
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First NHI draft regulations released by Health Minister
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has taken a significant step towards implementing the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act by publishing the first draft regulations. These regulations focus on Section 55 of the Act, detailing the governance structure and processes of the NHI Fund, a cornerstone of the ANC’s ambitious plan for universal health coverage. While the Act has yet to be…
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Discovery launches AI-Powered Personal Health Pathways
Discovery has unveiled its innovative Personal Health Pathways (PHP) programme, leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to provide personalised health actions for its 2.1 million adult members. This initiative aims to address the escalating challenge of medical inflation while promoting healthier lifestyles and reducing healthcare costs. PHP utilises behavioural data, real-time health and spending information, and predictive analytics to tailor health recommendations…
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Unplaced doctors and overwork plague the health system
Within the walls of South Africa’s public hospitals, an unseen struggle unfolds daily. This reveals a healthcare system burdened by persistent challenges and standing at a critical juncture. A collaborative, systemic approach is essential to ensure its survival for millions of South Africans. Central to this crisis is the stark inequality in access to healthcare. While newly qualified doctors graduate…