News and analysis

The Auditor General’s report to Parliament

Council for medical schemes contravened treasury regulations – AG

The AG's report has found that the Council for Medical Schemes failed to comply with laws governing the financial management of public entities.

Doctors use a torch to do operations

"This year we've been running out of simple things, such as Panado," says one doctor.
Simple solution: A fixed-dose combination ARV pill should make distribution and patient compliance easier.

State consolidates HIV treatment

New medicine combines ARVs into one pill, making them easier to supply.
|

[READ] The Gauteng health department’s budget speech 2019/20

Health MEC Bandile Masuku tables his inaugural budget before the Gauteng Provincial Legislature. In the speech, areas such as health facility upgrades and security...
There is evidence to suggest that TB itself is a risk factor for developing diabetes.

Diabetics at risk of TB (and vice versa)

A report notes that TB rates sky-rocketed in the 1990s fuelled by the HIV epidemic, and warns of a similar situation with diabetes-related TB.
Brian Hlongwa: "The allegations in the NPA’s papers

Read Brian Hlongwa’s response to the SIU report

Allegations of graft during his tenure as Gauteng health MEC aren’t new, says ANC Gauteng chief whip. In fact, they’re talked about regularly.
Despite concerns about the drug

Tense debate over ethics of trial on link between HIV, contraception

Health experts are at loggerheads over research that raises questions about the possible link between the contraceptive injection and HIV.

M&G Health Journalism Centre

Bhekisisa aims to improve health reporting not only at the M&G but also at media houses across the continent.
The Trauma Centre for Survivors of Violence and Torture released a report

Gang violence exposes children to mental instability

Children who are exposed to gangsterism are at greater risk of becoming perpetrators of violence themselves, according to a study in Mannenberg.
Zweli Mkhize

READ: Mkhize’s speech on the National Health Insurance & women

Health Minister Zweli Mkhize spoke at an exclusive Bhekisisa event for editors on 6 August about the National Health Insurance and what it means for reproductive justice.
A new report references Life Esidimeni as an example of what not to do with mental healthcare users.

Health MEC quits as patient death tally almost triples

Almost 100 Gauteng mental health patients died after MEC Qedani Mahlangu's disastrous decision, the health ombud has found.

Social grants decrease teenage girls’ risk of contracting HIV

Child support grants can protect teenage girls from sugar daddies.
What started as a bizarre press release touting a "potential HIV cure" has gone viral leading media houses all over the world to lash out over firm Zion Medical's latest claims.

South Africa is placed on alert for ‘superbug’ as drug-resistant yeast infections rise globally

Health experts warn of a potentially fatal fungal infection that is said to be spreading in hospitals.
Dr Jennifer Hughes says much of the treatment administered to TB patients is archaic.

TB: A dire struggle to keep up on path of increased resistance

Less than half of those treated for resistant strains of TB survive. It's just not good enough.
The new Dr Harry Surtie Hospital in Upington has only been servicing the west of the Northern Cape since November

Dr Harry Surtie Hospital: Double-edged sword of technology

If the new Dr Harry Surtie Hospital has all the latest tech, why are patients complaining?
From paper to provinces: Find out how far South African provinces have come in implementing the country's national HIV and TB plan.

How far is South Africa in the fight against HIV and TB? Find out.

South Africa boasts the world’s largest HIV treatment programme but are provinces ready to take the lead?