The landscape of weight management and diabetes treatment in South Africa is undergoing a dramatic transformation. This change is driven by the meteoric rise in popularity of a class of drugs known as GLP-1s, including Ozempic and Mounjaro. These medications, initially developed for Type 2 diabetes, have shown significant efficacy in promoting weight loss. As a result, there is unprecedented…
Tag: healthcare
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Trump targets drug costs in sweeping executive order
US President Donald Trump has signed a wide-ranging executive order. It targets drug costs by directing pharmaceutical companies to lower their prices. The goal is to align with rates paid in other developed countries. This executive order marks a clear initiative where Trump targets drug costs. It fulfills a key campaign promise. The move was met with scepticism from analysts…
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SA’s HIV success story creates new challenges
South Africa’s groundbreaking success in providing antiretroviral treatment (ARVs) to millions has transformed HIV from a death sentence into a manageable chronic condition. Many benefit from this. SA’s HIV success story is evident, with roughly 6 million people now on ARVs in the public sector since the 2004 scale-up. This allows people living with HIV to live longer, healthier lives,…
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Pharmaceutical tariffs could hike drug costs by billions
A recent analysis commissioned by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) indicates that a potential 25% tariff on pharmaceutical imports into the United States could dramatically increase the cost of medications for American patients. The Ernst & Young report estimates that US drug costs could surge by nearly $51 billion annually. This could lead to a price increase…
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Australia’s Crumbling Universal Healthcare: What’s Wrong?
From the idyllic coastal town of Streaky Bay, South Australia, a stark reality unfolds: Australia’s crumbling universal healthcare system, Medicare, is under immense strain. Once a source of national pride, the system now grapples with inadequate funding, critical staff shortages, and escalating costs. This leaves vulnerable populations without essential care. This situation exemplifies how Australia’s crumbling universal healthcare affects even…
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NHI Advertising Campaign Proceeds Despite HIV Funding Shortfall
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has confirmed that the Department of Health will proceed with its planned R65.9 million NHI advertising campaign. This decision comes despite facing a severe funding shortfall for critical HIV/AIDS programmes. The Minister cited the need to combat “irrational and negative propaganda” surrounding the NHI as the primary reason for continuing the campaign. HIV Funding Gap Sparks…
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Clicks Interim Results Driven by Loyalty and Digital Sales
JSE-listed Clicks Group has released its Clicks interim results for the six months ending February 2025. They report impressive resilience and strategic accomplishments in the health and beauty retail sector. The group noted a 13.2% rise in headline earnings per share (HEPS). Clicks credits its robust earnings performance to several crucial factors. These include significant market share growth in its…
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Mediclinic AI Strategy Targets R2 Billion Savings Amid Job Freezes
Mediclinic announced major operational changes. The hospital group aims to achieve R2 billion in annual savings. Mediclinic set this goal for the 2027 financial year. A pivot to Artificial Intelligence drives this shift. This forms the core of the new Mediclinic AI strategy. Mediclinic is transforming its corporate landscape. It has frozen new non-essential hires. Mediclinic now offers voluntary severance…
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African Pharmaceutical Procurement: A Path to Self-Sufficiency
A pooled system for African pharmaceutical procurement is crucial. Africa must reduce its dependence on imported medicines. Delegates at a G20 event reached this conclusion. The discussion highlighted Africa’s vulnerability in its supply chain. The COVID-19 pandemic exposed this. Recent US and European aid cuts emphasised this. The Need for African Pharmaceutical Procurement Africa’s lack of local production is a…
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Hiring Healthcare Professionals to Address Shortages
South Africa’s public health sector has received a potential boost. The National Health Council approved R1.78 billion. The funds are dedicated to hiring healthcare professionals. This offers hope to many unemployed health graduates. It also addresses the country’s critical staffing shortages. Hiring Healthcare Professionals to Address Gaps The NHC is the country’s top health decision-making body. It has earmarked the…