Gauteng healthcare bribery allegations involving queue jumping and access to services have prompted the provincial health department to warn patients and officials about corruption at public health facilities. The Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) said that it had received complaints about patients allegedly paying officials to secure preferential treatment. The allegations relate to booking appointments, accessing patient files and collecting…
Tag: Patient Rights
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TAC Seeks to Join Legal Fray Over NHI Act
The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), a patient advocacy organisation, seeks to join the legal battle over the future of South African healthcare. The TAC seeks to join the South African Medical Association’s (SAMA) court challenge against the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. It states it must represent the perspective of millions who depend on the public health system. The move…
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Cipla Medpro faces claims over side effects of antibiotic
Cipla Medpro faces claims that it failed to adequately warn patients about the potentially severe side effects of a common antibiotic. These claims arose after a Johannesburg man suffered four life-altering tendon ruptures. A man in his 40s is now considering legal action against the company. He was prescribed Tavaloxx, a fluoroquinolone antibiotic, and alleges the warnings provided inside the…
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Medihelp denies funding for child with Hunter Syndrome
A landmark case before the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has highlighted a critical conflict. This is between a medical scheme’s financial health and its obligation to fund life-saving treatment. It has left a young boy’s future in jeopardy. The appeals committee decided that the Medihelp Medical Scheme does not have to fund a vital drug for a six-year-old boy.…
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Cancer Ruling Sparks Controversy in Gauteng
A week after a landmark ruling by the Johannesburg High Court declared the Gauteng Health Department’s handling of a significant cancer patient backlog unlawful, the department announced plans to appeal. This ruling highlighted the plight of over 3,000 cancer patients. These patients have faced waiting times of up to three years for treatment. Legal Action Initiated by the Cancer Alliance…
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SAMA Challenges NHI Act: Doctors Speak Out
The South African Medical Association (Sama) has criticised the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act as “deeply flawed.” They warn that its implementation could jeopardise South Africa’s healthcare system. According to Sama chair Mvuyisi Mzukwa, there are significant concerns regarding access to care, financial viability, and administrative hurdles. He asserts that the act could harm doctors and patients. Therefore, SAMA challenges…