News

Medico-Legal reform stalls

11 Oct 2026
Government has yet to respond to the SA Law Reform Commission's (SALRC’s) proposals for medico-legal reform, despite describing medical negligence claims against the state as a crisis. – Editorial Business Day (9 October 2026)
The proposals include exorbitant lump-sum payments to medical negligence victims to be scrapped and new laws to be introduced for a revised system with structured pay-as-you go settlements.
The report also recommends administrative or court-based claims and structured settlements combining lump sums, state-provided care and periodic payments.
Although provincial contingent liabilities fell from R111bn in 2019/20 to R50.2bn in 2024/25, the state still pays about R1.5bn annually. Institutional maternal mortality remains high at 111.7 deaths per 100,000 live births, contributing to obstetric claims. Reform could ease budget pressures and create opportunities for private healthcare providers, but improving care quality is essential to prevent injuries.

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