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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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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RAF bid to appeal judgment on claim requirements
06 Dec 2023
On 5 December 2023 the Pretoria High Court rejected the Road Accident Fund’s (RAF) request to reconsider a previous verdict from November, reported Business Day.
“The ruling mandated eliminating the stringent new requirements for filing claims outlined in a 2021 board notice.”
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Covid-19 vaccines: ‘Health Department squandered the opportunity’
07 Sep 2023
“Health activists are right to draw attention to this grossly unfair situation. (Covid-19 vaccine deals) But the far bigger scandal is that the Health Department squandered the opportunity after spending an estimated R14-bn on Covid-19 jabs and belatedly filling its warehouses with enough doses to vaccinate the nation” – Business Day (7 September 2023).
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EDITORIAL: Health Minister must halt care crisis
20 Jan 2023
NHI, the government’s plan for universal health coverage, rests heavily on nurse-led care. Yet where these nurses will come from is a mystery. – Editorial (
Business Day 20 January 2023).
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Study raises concerns about quality of hospital meals
12 Jan 2023
According to a study of meals served at Cape Town hospitals the food served to hospital patients are way below the health department “ration scale” and patients’ energy requirements, reported
Financial Mail (12 January 2023).
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