News

News

Minister of Health denies shift in ANC’s NHI policy

14 Jan 2025
On 14 Jan News24 reported that Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi dismissed claims that the African National Congress (ANC) has altered its stance on the National Health Insurance (NHI), saying that neither the ANC nor the government has such a plan.
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ANC to present compromise NHI Proposal

13 Jan 2025
The ANC plans to reveal a compromise proposal for NHI at the first Cabinet lekgotla to achieve universal healthcare without jeopardising private medical schemes, reported City Press (12 Jan 2025).
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South Africa’s sugary drink addiction fuels diabetes crisis’

13 Jan 2025
The average South African adult consumes 2.3kg of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) per week, more than three times the global average, according to a recent global study. SSBs, defined as drinks with over 50 calories and added sugars, contribute to various health problems. – News24 (13 Jan 2024)
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Health Minister’s comments criticised

10 Jan 2025
“Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi faces sharp criticism for advising unemployed doctors to explore private or international job opportunities, citing a lack of funds to employ them in the public sector,” reported The Citizen (10 Jan 2024).
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GEMS members can’t afford increased membership tariffs

09 Jan 2025
Many members of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) might cancel their policies after GEMS’s decision to increase membership subscription by 13.4% for 2025, reported MedicalBrief (8 Jan 2025).
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Tembisa Hospital tender tycoon landed R360m SAPS contract

09 Jan 2025
Investigations have revealed that security boss and Tembisa Hospital tenderpreneur, Vusimuzi Matlala, had bagged himself a R360m health services contract from SAPS. – MedicalBrief (8 Jan 2025). Matlala’s home and office were recently raided by police, apparently in connection with a kidnapping.
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Healthcare sector poised for growth in 2025

09 Jan 2025
The SA healthcare sector is predicted to perform well in 2025 despite ongoing uncertainty surrounding the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act. – Business Day (9 Jan 2025). “Experts believe that delays in the full implementation of the NHI will ensure the continued importance of private hospitals in the SA healthcare landscape.”
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Rubella outbreak hits SA

08 Jan 2025
A sudden surge in rubella cases has swept through SA, with over 10,000 cases reported at the end of November, reported TimesLive on (20 Dec 2024).
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Head of Gauteng DoH under investigation

08 Jan 2025
The Special Investigating Unit (SIU) is investigating the head of Gauteng Health, Lesiba Malotan, for alleged tender irregularities. - Sunday Times (15Dec 2024).
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Gauteng fails to spend millions earmarked for cancer treatment

08 Jan 2025
On 15 December 2024 Sunday Times reported that the Gauteng Department of Health (DoH) failed to spend R250m intended for outsourced cancer treatment, forcing the funds to be returned to the provincial treasury. “This revelation comes amidst a growing backlog of cancer patients desperately awaiting treatment at state hospitals.”
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Pharmaceutical industry welcomes 2025 price adjustment

08 Jan 2025
The SA pharmaceutical industry has supported the recently announced 5.25% single exit price (SEP) adjustment for pharmaceutical products in 2025, reported BusinessLive (19 Dec 2024). “The Pharmaceutical Task Group (PTG), an umbrella organisation representing various trade associations within the industry, believes the 5.25% SEP strikes a crucial balance between ensuring patient access to essential medicines and maintaining a sustainable supply chain. “The 2025 SEP adjustment signals a positive
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New weight-loss/diabetics drug to enter the SA market?

08 Jan 2025
In December Aspen announced the launch of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in SA.
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Viatris boosts local ARV production in South Africa

08 Jan 2025
Global healthcare company Viatris achieved a milestone by producing its first batch of locally manufactured ARVs at its upgraded Isando facility, reported Daily Maveric(17 Dec 2024). “This investment aims to address the country’s heavy reliance on imported medicines and strengthen its healthcare infrastructure.”
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Discovery to appeal against Court’s ruling in favour of RAF

08 Jan 2025
The Pretoria High Court ruling in favour of the Road Accident Fund (RAF) has dealt a significant blow to Discovery Health, potentially leaving the scheme liable for billions of rands in claims from the RAF. – BusinessLive (18 Dec 2024)
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Netcare and Compensation Fund clash over unpaid claims

08 Jan 2025
Netcare, a major SA private hospital group, is in a legal battle with the Compensation Fund (CF) over unpaid claims and technical problems with the CompEasy system, the state-run platform for processing workers’ compensation claims, reported Business Day (6 Jan 2025).
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