News
WhatsApp model provides an effective solution to training challenges
29 Jan 2026
A WhatsApp-based microlearning model, dolutegravir, developed by Briony Chisholm, an information pharmacist formerly at UCT’s Medicines Information Centre, is emerging as an effective solution to frontline training challenges in SA’s HIV response.
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Medical scheme accuses CMS of ‘sabotage’ and racial bias
29 Jan 2026
In a recent submission to the Council of Medical Schemes (CMS) Khandani Msibi, executive chairperson of the medical scheme administrator 3Sixty GSG, claims a deliberate campaign was mounted to dismantle Sizwe Hosmed medical scheme, one of the last remaining black‑owned schemes in SA’s multibillion‑rand medical scheme industry. – City Press 18 Jan 2026)
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Gauteng Health projected to underspend R725m
29 Jan 2026
Gauteng Health is projected to underspend R725m in the 2025–26 financial year, with only R261m approved for rollover by National Treasury and R463.5m set to be returned to the national fiscus. - The Citizen (17 Jan 2026).
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BUSA seeks NHI meeting with the President
26 Jan 2026
President Cyril Ramaphosa’s spokesperson, Vincent Magwenya, confirmed that the Presidency intends to schedule a meeting with Business Unit SA (BUSA) in the first quarter of 2026 to discuss proposals previously submitted to the President. – Business Day (22 January 2026)
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1,260 doctors remain unemployed
26 Jan 2026
According to the SA Medical Association Trade Union (SAMATU) 1,260 doctors who have completed community service remain unemployed while 1,100 medical officer posts nationwide are vacant. – The Citizen (26 Jan 2026)
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SA not facing ARV shortage, says Health Department
26 Jan 2026
The National Department of Health reassured the public that SA is not facing antiretroviral (ARV) shortages, even though two suppliers - Barrs and Innovata, both subsidiaries of Avacare Health – are currently entering business rescue. - Times Live (2026).
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SA scientist develops tool for fast screening of TB, cancer and Covid
22 Jan 2026
News 24 reported on 19 January that a Cape Town scientist, Dr Jaymi Leigh January, and her team is developing a rapid, low-cost portable screening test that could transform the early detection of TB, cancer and Covid-19.
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NHI: Litigants reject Minister Godongwana’s call to settle out of Court
22 Jan 2026
Most organisations taking the NHI Act to Court rejected Finance Minister Enoch Godongwana’s suggestion that the matter should be settled out of Court. – Business Day (20 Jan 2026)
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Afrox launches R360m lawsuit against health departments
22 Jan 2026
African Oxygen (Afrox), a major supplier of medical gases to SA’s state hospitals, launched a High Court case against the National and Provincial Health Departments over R360m in unpaid invoices, some dating back to 2017. – Business Day (22 Jan 2026)
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NHI: reports of a potential truce are greatly exaggerated
22 Jan 2026
“Amid ongoing legal battles over NHI, hopes for a truce dwindle as political motives complicate negotiations on universal healthcare.” Daily Maverick 19 Jan 2026
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Removal of medical tax credits on the cards
17 Oct 2025
“With significant legal and logistical uncertainty still surrounding the NHI's implementation, making precipitous changes to the tax system could have unforeseen and damaging consequences for millions of South Africans.” - Business Day(17 October 2025)
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Pharma faces billions in costs due to new tariffs
29 Jul 2025
“The pharmaceutical industry is bracing for a significant financial blow, with analysts forecasting costs of between $13bn and $19bn following the revelation that a new transatlantic trade deal will subject branded medicines to a hefty 15% tariff.” – Reuters (28 July 2025)
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Life Healthcare backs collaboration to tackle healthcare crisis
27 Nov 2024
Life Healthcare CEO Peter Wharton-Hood has backed a call for greater collaboration between the government and private healthcare providers to address South Africa’s pressing healthcare challenges. This follows a proposal by Netcare CEO Richard Friedland, who suggested adding healthcare as the fourth pillar in an existing government-business partnership focused on revitalising the economy.
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Discovery Life claims back to pre-Covid levels
19 Apr 2024
“Discovery Life distributed R10.3bn to its clients, a decrease from the R11bn paid the previous year,” reported Business Day (19April 2024)
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Hundreds of websites found selling fake weight-loss drugs
16 Apr 2024
Reuters reported on 15 April that the cybersecurity company BrandShield has shut down over 250 websites selling counterfeit versions of popular drugs used for weight loss and diabetes treatment within the GLP-1 class.
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