South Africa’s fight against obesity has entered a decisive phase, driven by a surge in the medicalisation of treatment through GLP-1 weight loss drugs. In early 2026, two major medications, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide), have received key regulatory approvals, marking a new chapter in primary healthcare. With nearly 4.5 million South African adults living with obesity, the shift comes…
Tag: South Africa healthcare
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Medical Tax Credits Debate Sparks Warnings From Policy Experts
The ongoing Medical Tax Credits debate in South Africa has taken a sharp turn. Leading health policy experts push back against calls to eliminate medical tax credits (MTCs) to fund the National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme. Professor Alex van den Heever of the Wits School of Governance and Dr Max Price, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, have…
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SA’s Healthcare Austerity Crisis Threatens Specialist Training
South Africa’s Healthcare Austerity Crisis is shaking the foundation of the nation’s public health system, warns the Colleges of Medicine of South Africa (CMSA). By highlighting SA’s Healthcare Austerity Crisis, the CMSA cautioned that deepening budget cuts by provincial health departments are dismantling the pipeline that produces medical specialists. The organisation says current austerity measures not only threaten the long‑term…
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GLP-1 Medicines Review: South Africa Moves to Expand Access
The National Essential Medicines List Committee (NEMLC) has officially prioritised a GLP-1 medicines review. This move signals a potential shift in how South Africa manages the dual crises of type 2 diabetes and obesity. According to senior health department officials, the review aims to determine whether these high-demand drugs should be added to the Essential Medicines List (EML). If approved,…
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Mediscor Medicines Review 2024: Key Insights Revealed
The Mediscor Medicines Review 2024 reveals a significant 5.0% increase in medicine expenditure. This marks the most substantial rise in the past three years, presenting a complex challenge for South Africa’s healthcare sector. As a leading pharmaceutical benefits management (PBM) organisation covering over 2.6 million lives, Mediscor’s annual analysis provides a critical barometer for the industry. The 2024 report highlights…
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Life Healthcare Reports Robust Half-Year Performance
Life Healthcare Group Holdings Ltd has announced a robust operating performance for the first half of its financial year. The company showcased significant growth driven by strong patient activity. Also, the benefits reaped from strategic acquisitions completed in the latter half of 2024 contributed. For the six months ended March, the diversified healthcare provider reported an 8.1% increase in revenue,…
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Eastern Cape Cancer Patients Affected by Drug Shortage
Hundreds of cancer patients, including vulnerable children, in South Africa’s Eastern Cape province have had their life-saving chemotherapy treatments interrupted. This is due to the Department of Health’s alarming failure to pay its drug suppliers. Consequently, Eastern Cape cancer patients face critical challenges. The crisis has forced desperate doctors to ration limited medication. This has led to widespread concern and…
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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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Balancing act: Medical scheme tax credits in South Africa
Medical scheme tax credits are vital for sustaining South Africa’s dual healthcare system, providing essential financial relief to millions of working-class citizens. In his recent budget speech, Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana announced that these tax credits will remain in place – an important policy decision welcomed by healthcare experts and funders. Thoneshan Naidoo, CEO of the Health Funders Association (HFA),…
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Experts call for self-reliance in South Africa’s HIV funding
South Africans living with HIV are facing increasing challenges in accessing medication due to the recent suspension of funding from the United States. The funding cuts, primarily affecting the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) and USAID-supported programmes, have led to disruptions in healthcare services, forcing patients to ration their medication. While the South African government covers 87% of…