DA raises concerns over NHI funding plan and implementation challenges in South Africa
The DA criticised Health Minister Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi for failing to present a detailed NHI costing or consult Treasury. They warned his funding proposals and lack of accountability risk corruption and failure, citing the oxygen plant tender scandal. The DA urged...
Lecture calls for universally dignified and equal healthcare access for Africa
UCT’s Global Health Lecture featured Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng, UN special rapporteur, who urged that universal health access in Africa must prioritize dignity, equity, and solidarity beyond clinics and budgets. She called on clinicians as rights defenders and on systems to...
Advancing universal health coverage in South Africa: A global imperative with local relevance
South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) aims to advance Universal Health Coverage by addressing inequities between the well-resourced private sector and the underfunded public sector. While progress has been made, challenges persist, and WHO supports reforms to...
NHI Implementation in South Africa: Key Risks and Challenges
South Africa’s NHI aims for universal healthcare but risks higher costs, reduced access, overburdened public hospitals, provider exits, rising lawsuits, and costly transitions. Without viable alternatives, it could destabilise both public and private healthcare...
South Africa’s Treasury steps in after Pepfar cuts, boosts HIV funding and health infrastructure
South Africa’s Treasury has allocated R753.5 m (42.7M USD) to plug gaps in HIV/AIDS programmes following Pepfar funding cuts, while new research investments and health infrastructure projects are underway.South Africa’s National Treasury has committed R753.5 million...
Transforming South Africa’s healthcare: the National Health Insurance Act’s promise of equity for all
South Africa’s National Health Insurance (NHI) Act aims to create a unified, fair, and affordable healthcare system that provides equal access to quality care for all citizens, regardless of income or location. This transformative reform addresses current inequalities...
Economists explain how the NHI can work in South Africa
Economists express concerns about the viability of South Africa's National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, citing the government's struggle to secure funding and the potential dismantling of existing medical schemes, which are already under strain. Economists have...
Bad news about National Health Insurance in South Africa
Government spending on healthcare in South Africa has decreased significantly in recent years, with the National Health Insurance (NHI) plans facing challenges due to prioritization of debt servicing over essential services. In recent years, government spending on...
Government reaffirms commitment to NHI amid renewed collaboration efforts
President Cyril Ramaphosa reaffirms the Government’s commitment to National Health Insurance (NHI) with a renewed focus on collaboration with the private sector, aiming to ensure equitable, accessible, and affordable quality healthcare for all South Africans, while...
South Africa implements vaping tax to address youth vaping epidemic and illicit tobacco trade
South Africa has taken bold steps to tackle the rising prevalence of youth vaping and the surge in illicit tobacco trade by implementing an excise tax on vaping products. The new policy, which was enacted on June 1, 2023, imposes a flat excise duty rate of 2.90 rand...
Ramaphosa enacts landmark NHI Bill for equitable healthcare
President Cyril Ramaphosa has signed the NHI Bill into law, aiming to provide equal access to healthcare, reduce disparities, and tackle poverty. The NHI seeks to make healthcare more affordable and efficient. Implementation will be gradual, involving both public...
Tax hikes ahead for NHI funding
The National Department of Health confirms impending tax hikes to fund the NHI scheme in South Africa, pending President Cyril Ramaphosa's approval. NHI's successful implementation hinges on securing adequate funding, which remains a challenge. The National...
National Health Security Office shares Thailand’s experience in managing health financing with South Africa
From March 11th to 15th, 2024, the National Health Security Office has organized a five-day intensive course on Thailand's experience in managing health financing and health service delivery at the district level for Universal Health Coverage. The participants were...
Experts call for higher sugar taxes
Sugar-laden drinks are linked to obesity and other chronic illnesses. Many countries have implemented sugar taxes on soft drinks, but the WHO says the levels are too low to make a significant difference.The Guardian article titled The cost of dealing with disease is...
South Africa national department of health mandates free health services for pregnant women including foreign nationals
The national department of health has taken decisive action by issuing a circular to all health facilities, mandating the provision of free healthcare services to all pregnant women and children under the age of six, regardless of their nationality or status in South...