Threads

News and analysis

Health minister Aaron Motsoaledi expects legal push back as the country implements the second phase of universal health coverage.

Health department expects to be sued over proposed NHI changes

‘I can’t mention who are the parties I am expecting litigation from but I can assure I know who they are.'

Modern-day oracles? Meet the scientists tracking COVID’s crappy future

Far fewer people are testing for COVID-19 than last year this time, but most people flush. Water in the country’s drains can pick up a spike in cases or can help to pick up a threatening new variant in time for clinics to prepare for an influx of patients.
This was no Life Esidimeni

Ombud slams doctor, media over allegations of abuse at mental health hospital

Makgoba says a statistical error led doctor to greatly overestimate patient deaths.

Whose National Health Insurance is it anyway? Taking back the power

Public comment on the NHI Bill has closed, but there are other ways you can add your voice to this historic overhaul of the country’s health services. Find out in this latest instalment of "Compass", our series on the NHI.
Former Gauteng health MEC Qedani Mahlangu and colleagues may be criminally charged for the Life Esidimeni deaths.

#LifeEsidimeni: What Qedani Mahlangu’s testimony may mean for David Makhura

Accusations fly as the embattled former health MEC finally testifies at the ongoing arbitration hearings.

#LifeEsidimeni: Head of NGO tied to 23 deaths was unqualified, unlicensed

Owner of Pretoria organisation Precious Angels breaks down and dodges queries amid questions surrounding deaths.
The ANC maintains that Malakoane did an excellent job at the helm of the province's health system even after the Medicine Control Council shut down an unlawful stem cell "trial" at one of the province's hospital this week.

Fifth postponement in MEC Malakoane’s corruption case

Activists have expressed frustration at the corruption trial of Free State MEC Benny Malakoane being postponed for the fifth time.
EMS students train at Nelson Mandela University. About 50% of EMS positions are vacant in Limpopo.

Almost three out of four specialist medical posts are vacant in this province

And about half of its ambulances are standing idle.

​Government disputes drug stock-out survey: ‘Far fewer clinics run out of medicine’

The report describes medication shortages as "a serious threat to the public healthcare system". But the government says the figures are inaccurate.
A participant of the HVTN 702 HIV vaccine trial receives her first dose ahead of the public launch of the vaccine in 2016.

HIV vaccine trial stopped after jab found ineffective

In South Africa, scientists halted what promised to be a ground-breaking HIV vaccine study called HVTN 702 early after the jab offered no protection.
The SA government needs to make a back-up plan for spending on HIV/Aids

SA has highest number of new HIV infections worldwide – survey

With over 400 000 new HIV infections occurring in 2012, South Africa ranks first in HIV incidence in the world, says an HSRC survey.

#FeesMustFall: Why are protestors rubbing condoms on their eyes?

This week, tear-gassed #FeesMustFall protestors took to rubbing condoms on their eyes. Bhekisisa investigates why.
The 2016 World Aids Day special report focuses on what it will take to reach the 90-90-90 targets to end the Aids epidemic by 2030.

Could South Africa’s next HIV plan call for the decriminalisation of drug use?

Almost 300 000 South Africans will contract HIV this year. The country may be targeting a crucial five-year window to stem the tide of new infections.
A 12-month course of Herceptin costs R151 520 in South Africa because of patent protection

‘I think I’m going to die,’ SA patient desperate for cancer drug tells UN

A desperate South African breast cancer patient pleaded with the United Nations (UN) on Thursday to help her access a drug that can save her life.
With protest action likely to continue

#WitsHungerStrike: Four tips to protect your eyes during a protest

Police often use tear gas as a method of crowd control. Here are some tips to keep safe when those tear gas canisters start flying from our archives.
Tshwane offers heroin users treatment to beat heroin cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

New Gauteng programme allows drug users to swap illegal highs for safer alternatives

The Tshwane initiative could help reduce drug use, drug-related crime and new HIV infections.