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)
Healthcare accountability must advance alongside artificial intelligence (AI) and genomics to improve patient safety, according to former health ombud Professor Makgoba. – Sunday Times (11 October 2026)