South Africans are reporting rising levels of depression and anxiety. Yet access to care is tightening. High out-of-pocket costs and an entrenched shortage of mental health professionals are leaving many people underserved. In particular, those with the greatest need are most affected. A recent advocacy document argues that government VAT rules and medical aid pricing behaviour are actively inflating the…
Tag: Mental Health
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Sleep Tracking Anxiety: A Double-Edged Sword
Sleep tracking is an increasingly popular feature of fitness devices and smartwatches, with millions of users monitoring their nightly rest. However, experts warn that sleep tracking anxiety, stemming from this obsession with data, could be the very thing keeping people awake. While tracking can be beneficial, it carries significant risks for some. Professor Gosia Lipinska, a neuropsychologist at the University…
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World Mental Health Day Highlights Urgent Needs
As the world marks Mental Health Awareness Month this October, Africa stands at a critical juncture. With its population set to reach 2.5 billion in the coming decades, the continent faces a deepening mental health crisis. This crisis is chronically underfunded, under-researched, and dangerously overlooked. On this World Mental Health Day, 10th October, it is crucial to examine the scale…
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Netcare’s mental health services in high demand
Private hospital group Netcare has highlighted a continued and robust demand for mental healthcare services across South Africa. This signals a growing public health concern as more individuals seek help for conditions previously shrouded in stigma. The report comes amidst wider calls for systemic reform to address the nation’s deepening mental health crisis. In a recent trading update, Netcare confirmed…
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Precision Medicine: Transforming Treatment Approaches
A quiet revolution is reshaping healthcare, shifting the focus from merely managing symptoms to fundamentally altering the course of complex diseases. At the forefront of this evolution are two critical fields: precision medicine in oncology and groundbreaking new treatments for severe mental health conditions like schizophrenia and treatment-resistant depression. These advancements signal a move away from one-size-fits-all approaches and towards…
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Lethal Neglect and Deaths in Kimberley Hospital
An explosive investigation by the Health Ombud has uncovered a litany of catastrophic failures and lethal neglect at the Northern Cape Mental Health Hospital. The hospital staff left patients in dangerously cold conditions without electricity. This lethal neglect led to at least two deaths and caused severe harm to others. Following a complaint from Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi in…
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Gauteng Health Budget to Transform Healthcare Services
The Gauteng Department of Health has received a budget of R67 billion for the 2025-26 financial year. This initiative aims to overhaul service delivery, modernise infrastructure, and tackle critical healthcare needs across the province. The Gauteng Health Budget places a strong emphasis on these improvements. During a media briefing at the provincial legislature, Gauteng MEC for Health and Wellness, Nomantu…
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Liberty Insurance Claims: R12 Billion Paid Out
Life insurer Liberty announced that it paid out a substantial R12 billion in death, disability, and income protection claims to over 120,000 beneficiaries throughout 2024. This impressive figure reflects the volume of Liberty insurance claims processed last year. The statistics shed light on evolving claiming patterns. There is a concerning underinsurance gap among women and a notable increase in claims…
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Netcare Mental Health Services Growing Nationwide
Leading private hospital group Netcare is significantly expanding its mental healthcare footprint across South Africa. They have plans for new Akeso facilities in Pretoria, Polokwane, and Alberlito. This expansion emphasises the commitment to Netcare mental health services. Demand for quality mental health support continues to rise nationwide. Responding to growing mental health needs Growing demand for mental health services in…