Gauteng patients who need hip replacements are waiting between three and 10 years on public hospital lists. Gauteng health MEC Faith Mazibuko disclosed the scale of the delay in a recent reply to Democratic Alliance (DA) questions in the Gauteng legislature. Mazibuko linked the growing backlog to several operational pressures across the province. She said a high proportion of older…
Tag: medical devices
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Non-Invasive Colon Cancer Test Could Speed Diagnosis
A new screening approach being developed by scientists in China and the UK could change how colorectal cancer is detected, especially in health systems with limited access to colonoscopy. The innovation is a Non-Invasive Colon Cancer Test that analyses volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in the vapour trapped above bowel faeces. The aim is simple. Identify higher-risk patients quickly, then prioritise…
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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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Ascendis to Delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange
Health group Ascendis Health plans a significant change. The company will delist from the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE). It has made a conditional offer to its investors. Ascendis will repurchase shares from them. The market reacted very positively to this news. The company’s stock price surged by 13.4%. This move to delist Ascendis is a key part of its new strategy. The…
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Unregulated Glucose Monitors Pose Risk to Diabetics
While continuous glucose monitors are increasingly popular as wellness gadgets for tracking lifestyle and diet, their lack of formal regulatory oversight means many devices may not be safe or reliable for medical use. The rise of unregulated glucose monitors makes the matter more complicated. Medical specialists and patient advocates are raising urgent concerns over the booming and unregulated market for…
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Medical Device Industry on the Brink as Debt Soars to R1.4 Billion
The South African medical device industry is sounding the alarm once again as provincial health departments, the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS), and the SA Military Health Service collectively owe over R1.4 billion to medical suppliers. This debt, with a significant portion outstanding for more than 30 days, is pushing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to the brink and threatening…
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The Ascendis Health Turnaround: From Debt to Profitability
Ascendis Health was once a darling of the JSE. It was listed in 2013. Its aggressive global plan nearly led to collapse, but now The Ascendis Health Turnaround is aiming to rectify past mistakes. Excessive debt fueled the company’s strategy. The plan to create a health giant faltered. Acquisitions lacked synergy, and offshore assets underperformed. The massive debt burden proved…