President Cyril Ramaphosa has ordered a pharmaceutical task force to address pressures on SA’s medicine manufacturers. This follows industry complaints that public procurement favours cheaper imports over domestic production.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi appointed former National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS).Board Chair, Eric Buch, Compensation Commissioner, Barry Kistnasamy, and Anban Pillay, a Health Department’s Deputy Director-General, to address “deteriorating oversight and financial management” at the Business Day (13 October 2026)
JSE healthcare shares have risen, led by Aspen Pharmacare’s 40% gain; the result of ga R28bn business disposal, improved finances and manufacturing progress. Netcare gained 12% and Life Healthcare 6%, supported by operational efficiencies and cost reductions. However, analysts warn that sustained growth depends on Aspen’s execution and stronger hospital patient volumes, constrained by medical scheme affordability pressures. – Business Times (11 October 2026)
In 2025 Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) spent R2.75bn on depression treatment; a 198% increase on the R923.9m it paid in 2019. – Sunday Times (11 October 2026)