Economic downturn has a negative impact on healthcare

As the public increasingly labours under the effects of the extended economic downturn, fresh concerns are being raised about the effect that non-compliance with medical treatments will have on the health of individuals and the ultimate cost to the public purse. Although treatment non-compliance has always posed challenges, the problem is exacerbated during difficult economic times. 2 May 2012 12:16

Gauteng ready to pilot NHI

The Gauteng provincial government has announced plans to kick-start its pilot projects for the National Health Insurance (NHI). 24 Apr 2012 11:43

Comment wanted on health cover regulations

The Treasury invited comment on Tuesday on draft regulations for short-term and long-term health insurance. 18 Apr 2012 16:47

NHI stillborn without doctors

A critical shortage of medical doctors could hamper the successful implementation of the government's ambitious National Health Insurance. 17 Apr 2012 16:55

Public, private health sector pledge support for NHI

[Gabi Khumalo] Health stakeholders from the private and public sector have pledged their support for the National Health Insurance (NHI), although some are still concerned about how the scheme will be implemented. 29 Mar 2012 11:22

Plan to cut medical top-up, gap cover could hurt consumers, medical schemes

Government's recent announcement of its plans to cut medical top-up¹ and gap cover² could hit middle- and low-income consumers the hardest. 12 Mar 2012 16:36

Report published to focus on healthcare in Africa

In preparation of the conference, Healthcare In Africa, taking place in Cape Town, South Africa on 6-7 March 2012, The Economist Intelligence Unit (EIU), published the report The Future Of Healthcare In Africa, commissioned by Janssen Pharmaceutica NV. 1 Mar 2012 16:17

Medical tax credits first step to NHI

[Paul Vecchiatto] The conversion of medical deductions into medical tax credits could be seen as the first step to get the population used to a National Health Insurance (NHI), says SA Revenue Service Commissioner Oupa Magashula. 24 Feb 2012 17:17

New health facilities to prepare Mpuma for NHI

In a bid to create an environment conducive to the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), seven community health centres and clinics will be constructed and existing facilities upgraded in Mpumalanga. 24 Feb 2012 16:21

R1bn pumped towards NHI

Government has moved one step further towards the establishment of the massive National Health Insurance scheme for South Africa, with Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan yesterday, 22 February, announcing an allocation of R1 billion to the scheme's pilot projects. 23 Feb 2012 08:06

Will the Budget introduce sin tax to fund NHI?

[Lullu Krugel] Market commentators are anticipating more clarity from the National Budget Speech regarding the funding mechanism for National Health Insurance (NHI) funding, following the release of its Policy Paper last year. 15 Feb 2012 13:01

'Tax breaks for medical professionals needed'

[Janice Roberts] SA reportedly has only 27,000 doctors for a population of 48 million due to the fact that many medical professionals prefer to work overseas. 10 Feb 2012 16:52

Pensioners set to benefit from NHI

The introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative has been examined as to the impact it will have on those who do not have any medical cover, yet one of the overlooked areas is the fact that it will also help to alleviate a major cost burden for those in retirement. 10 Feb 2012 15:27

SA life insurance market robust

Fitch Ratings says in a new special report that the South African life insurance industry performed well in the first half of 2011, despite tough economic conditions. 26 Jan 2012 17:57