Airport screen questioned after hantavirus outbreak

SA health authorities are under pressure after two hantavirus-linked cases exposed limits in airport disease screening. Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament that no prior airline alert was issued because the infected traveller showed no visible symptoms when arriving at OR Tambo International Airport. The cases were linked to the Dutch cruise ship MV Hondius, where a respiratory outbreak affected international passengers. Authorities traced 62 contacts, including healthcare workers and cruise passengers, while monitoring continues for up to six weeks. According to epidemiologist Lucille Blumberg said rapid contact tracing began before laboratory confirmation.

Aspen to launch first locally made human insulin

On 5 May the SA Health Products Regulatory Authority (SAPHRA) approved Aspen Pharmacare’s local manufacturing of the first human insulin batches. – Moneyweb (7 May 2026) The sterile insulin, manufactured in Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, may now be sold in SA and other African markets. “After Aspen’s SENS update on 5 May the company’s share price reached a 52-week high, lifting its market capitalisation above R66bn.” Diabetes is now “the single biggest killer in the country” among non-communicable diseases.

Focus on NHI funding and transparency in ConCourt

5 May marked the first day of a 3-day hearing in the Constitutional Court (ConCourt) during which the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) is requesting the Court to set the NHI Act aside on procedural grounds, arguing that the public participation process was defective. Business Day (6 May 2026)

NHI financial architecture shapes Medtech Investment

SA’s National Health Insurance (NHI) financial framework is under growing scrutiny amid constitutional challenges and limited Budget 2026 allocations. Government has delayed implementation of the NHI Act pending a Constitutional Court ruling, while analysts warn the policy promises universal coverage without fully developed operational systems.

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