Medicine shortages have prompted the Western Cape government to seek urgent national intervention, including an investigation into possible port delays affecting imported medicines. Health and Wellness MEC Mireille Wenger has asked Transport Minister Barbara Creecy to help identify logistical obstacles and prioritise medicine consignments. Her request highlights concerns about the Port of Durban. However, authorities have yet to establish the…
Tag: public healthcare
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GLP-1 Obesity Treatment Review Yet to Start in SA
South Africa has yet to begin assessing GLP-1 obesity treatment for public sector patients, despite the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending these medicines for long-term obesity management in December 2025. The Department of Health is considering adding GLP-1 medicines to its essential medicines list for diabetes treatment. However, it has not started evaluating their use specifically for obesity. Rebone Ntsie,…
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District Health Leadership: Tackling Fear in Frontline Care
District health leadership needs greater investment to help South Africa’s frontline managers improve care and prepare for National Health Insurance (NHI). According to Spotlight, researchers and health managers are testing approaches that replace punitive supervision with collaboration and trust. Their work addresses a persistent problem: facilities provide patient care, while provincial offices retain much financial and administrative authority. As a…
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HIV Treatment Simplification Could Ease Clinic Pressure
HIV treatment simplification could ease pressure on South Africa’s health system by reducing unnecessary clinic visits, Dr Anna Grimsrud and Lynne Wilkinson argue. The authors propose longer medicine supplies, annual clinical reviews for stable adults and stronger patient recall systems. Their recommendations come amid funding uncertainty for the world’s largest HIV treatment programme. They cite June 2026 reports of a…
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WOWRewards pilot offers food vouchers for healthy choices
The WOWRewards pilot offers Western Cape residents food vouchers for exercise, vaccinations and medicine collection. Explore its prevention goals. The WOWRewards pilot will offer Western Cape public healthcare users food vouchers worth up to R100 monthly for completing approved health activities. Launched in Westridge, Mitchells Plain, on 10 October, the programme tests whether modest incentives can encourage healthier habits. It…
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Gauteng healthcare bribery warning
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…
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GLP-1 Generics Could Reshape Local Obesity Market
A new wave of generic GLP-1 medicines could transform South Africa’s fast-growing obesity treatment market. Sun Pharma recently launched the country’s first generic semaglutide injection for type 2 diabetes through its Ranbaxy subsidiary. The South African Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAHPRA) is considering another 13 semaglutide applications. The opportunity is substantial. Morgan Stanley expects the global GLP-1 market to reach…
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Cancer Heat Therapy: R57m Public Health Rollout
A R57 million funding drive could determine whether a South African cancer treatment is adopted in the public healthcare system. Cancer heat therapy has been shown to improve survival and reduce long-term costs. Dr Carrie Minnaar, a South African researcher specialising in oncologic hyperthermia, is leading plans to install six modulated electro-hyperthermia (mEHT) devices at three public hospitals over the…
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Charlotte Maxeke Hospital Crisis Threatens Patient Care
Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital faces growing financial and supply pressures. Insiders warn that the problems could lead to a broader breakdown in medical services. The hospital is allegedly struggling with unpaid supplier accounts, chronic stock shortages and delayed purchase orders. These challenges have reportedly affected dialysis services, intensive care treatment and major surgery. A source close to the hospital’s…
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Slow Patent Reform Delays Access to Medicines
South Africa’s continued failure to reform its patent laws is restricting access to affordable medicines. The consequences of slow patent reform are also placing further pressure on the public healthcare system. More than 12 years have passed since the “PharmaGate” scandal became public. The scandal exposed an alleged campaign by the pharmaceutical industry to delay and weaken reforms to South…
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Primary Healthcare Accountability Under Scrutiny In Johannesburg
A legal battle over access to Johannesburg clinics has placed primary healthcare accountability under the spotlight. The case has highlighted confusion about which sphere of government must act when patients cannot access essential clinic services. This issue is particularly important in metropolitan municipalities. In these areas, provincial and local governments may share responsibility for clinic operations through service-level agreements. Primary…