The National Treasury is preparing a new bill. This is a crucial move for the health sector. It will address a severe funding shortfall. The gap is a result of the withdrawal of US donor aid. This withdrawal puts essential health programs at risk. HIV/AIDS services are particularly vulnerable. The government is now proposing a health funding solution. The financial…
Tag: South Africa
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A Diabetes Data Crisis is Making the Epidemic Invisible in SA
South Africa is grappling with a severe public health emergency as diabetes solidifies its position as one of the nation’s leading causes of death, according to Statistics South Africa. This alarming situation is part of a larger diabetes data crisis. Yet, a shocking and abrupt revision in international estimates has revealed a parallel crisis: the country does not reliably know…
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UNAIDS Closure Causes Outrage Among Health Advocates
South African health advocates have issued a stark warning. They believe the planned closure of the Joint UN Programme on HIV/Aids (UNAIDS) will have a devastating effect on millions of lives. This also risks derailing decades of progress in the global fight against the epidemic. According to a United Nations document released this week, the United Nations will “sunset” the…
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NHLS Cancer Testing Delays Outsourcing Solutions
The National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS) has confirmed it is engaging private sector laboratories to address a critical backlog in cancer testing at its Johannesburg facility. This backlog has left some public healthcare patients waiting as long as three months for potentially life-saving diagnostic results. The NHLS, which forms the diagnostic backbone of the nation’s public health system, is facing…
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Generic HIV Prevention Drug to Cost Just $40 Annually from 2027
In a monumental step forward for global public health, Indian pharmaceutical companies Dr Reddy’s Laboratories and Hetero Labs have announced they will produce and sell generic versions of a revolutionary HIV prevention drug. It will be available for around $40 per year. Availability is expected from 2027. The drug, lenacapavir, is a long-acting injectable developed by Gilead Sciences. It has…
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America First Health Policy Threatens Global Health Aid
The future of vital United States health aid to South Africa now hangs in the balance. This comes after the Trump administration unveiled a new “America First” global health strategy last week. This move is part of the broader America First health policy initiative announced by the administration. This policy overhaul aims to transition recipient countries towards self-reliance. It does…
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Upfront Medical Aid Payments a Growing Concern
Upfront medical aid payments cost members of medical aid schemes a staggering R43 billion last year. This is a situation the industry regulator says is causing significant financial hardship and worsening health inequalities. The Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) revealed the figure in its 2023-24 industry report. It highlights a system where members are increasingly shouldering costs that they expect…
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Cancer Court Battle: Patients Deserve Better Treatment
Concerns are mounting over the Gauteng Department of Health’s persistent legal challenges against court orders compelling it to address the province’s devastating cancer treatment backlog. This ongoing cancer court battle highlights significant issues within the healthcare system. Instead of complying with two separate High Court rulings, the department is channelling taxpayer money into an appeal process. This leaves thousands of…
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NHI Affordability: Key Issues and Legal Perspectives
Multiple groups are challenging the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. The Western Cape Government is the eighth group to file a lawsuit. A key legal argument in these court cases is NHI affordability. Litigants question whether the state can realistically fund the scheme. This issue forms the foundation of several constitutional challenges against the new law. The outcome of these…
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Discovery Health Reports Profit Amid Shifting Membership Base
Discovery Health has reported a profit for the recent financial year. This positive result comes despite a slight dip in medical scheme members. The company shows strong financial performance overall. Its strategies are successfully adapting to market changes. This ensures continued profitability and stability. The financial outcome highlights a robust business model. Analysing Membership Trends The Discovery Health Medical Scheme…
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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…