Latest News & Developments
department of health
More than 520,000 people initiated on HIV treatment in South Africa's Close the Gap campaign
Minister of Health Aaron Motsoaledi announced that 520,700 people have been initiated onto antiretroviral treatment as part of the government's Close the Gap campaign, aiming to end the AIDS epidemic by 2030.
Health Minister calls for ombud investigation into medical intern's death at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has requested an investigation into the death of medical intern Dr Alulutho Mazwi, who collapsed while on duty at Prince Mshiyeni Memorial Hospital, raising concerns about working conditions for junior doctors.
Western Cape's Tygerberg Hospital: a decade of delays and unmet promises
After 16 years of planning, the redevelopment of Tygerberg Hospital remains stalled, raising concerns among residents, healthcare workers, and opposition parties about the state of public healthcare in the Western Cape.
No doctors left: Staff shortage forces Livingstone Hospital to close outpatient clinics
Outpatient surgical services at Livingstone Hospital have been suspended due to a critical staffing crisis, leaving patients in dire need of care without access to essential surgeries.
Livingstone Hospital Tragedy: Security guard dies after gate falls on her
The Department of Health in the Eastern Cape has ordered an investigation after a private security guard was crushed to death by a gate at a major public hospital in Gqeberha.
Tembisa Hospital Fires: ‘Public urged to seek help elsewhere as emergency and outpatient care halted,’ says Phaahla
Deputy Health Minister Joe Phaahla has urged patients to use nearby hospitals after a second fire at Tembisa Provincial Tertiary Hospital destroyed patient files and disrupted emergency services.
Files destroyed after second fire breaks out at Tembisa Hospital Emergency Unit
The latest incident comes days after a fire broke out in the same hospital in the outpatient area, adjacent to the Accident and Emergency Unit on Saturday night.
Files destroyed after second fire breaks out at Tembisa Hospital Emergency Unit
Following a devastating fire at Tembisa Hospital's emergency unit, a second blaze has resulted in the destruction of patient files, raising concerns about the hospital's operational capacity and patient safety as investigations unfold.
DA demands urgent Parliament appearance from Health Minister over PEPFAR funding crisis
The Democratic Alliance demands that Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi appear before Parliament to clarify the government's disorganised response and outline plans to mitigate the alarming potential fallout on HIV/Aids in South Africa.
DA demands urgent action as health sector faces staff crisis
The DA warns that without immediate action from Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi to fill thousands of vacant health worker posts, South Africa faces a looming public health disaster.
Urgent call from Rural Doctors Association to prioritise healthcare recruitment
The Rural Doctors Association of Southern Africa urges the Department of Health to prioritise the recruitment of healthcare professionals in rural areas, following the recent approval to hire 1,650 workers amid a growing healthcare crisis.
South Africa's 1 650 healthcare worker recruitment plan sparks mixed union reactions
South Africa's National Health Council has announced a R1. 78 billion initiative to recruit 1 650 healthcare professionals, with doctors' unions welcoming the plan while nursing organisations condemn the allocation of only 200 nursing positions as 'shockingly inadequate' amid critical staff shortages and burnout.
Denosa slams Motsoaledi’s ‘insulting’ plan to recruit only 200 nurses
Denosa has condemned Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi's announcement to recruit only 200 nurses as 'shockingly inadequate' amid a national nursing shortage crisis where projections indicate South Africa could be short 100,000 nurses by 2030.
Dean Macpherson stands firm amid allegations and threats in R800 million oxygen tender investigation
Public Works and Infrastructure Minister Dean Macpherson said his department would expose the truth behind the R800 million oxygen tender scandal.
Two-year-old died after being turned away from Limpopo clinic due to missing medical file
A two-year-old's death after being refused treatment at a Limpopo clinic raises urgent concerns over healthcare protocols, while a separate incident involving a nurse's inappropriate social media conduct underscores the fight against child abuse in South Africa.
South African government backtracks on banning cannabis edibles
South Africa's government has lifted the ban on cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, opening new avenues for entrepreneurs while ensuring safety regulations are put in place.
Government backs off from banning cannabis edibles
After initial confusion over the government's ban on cannabis and hemp-derived foodstuffs, President Cyril Ramaphosa has announced a withdrawal of the ban, offering hope to entrepreneurs and businesses in the sector.
Ramaphosa raises alarm as nurse exodus worsens SA healthcare crisis
President Ramaphosa highlights the paradoxical healthcare crisis where South African nurses are increasingly recruited abroad while 20,000 remain unemployed at home, threatening the country's already strained healthcare system and future NHI implementation.
Cannabis ban | Backlash from industry and activists who warn of job losses
The unexpected ban on cannabis and hemp-derived products by South Africa's health ministry has left the burgeoning cannabis sector in turmoil, raising concerns among businesses and activists about the potential economic fallout and job losses.
Addressing medicine shortages: KwaZulu-Natal health committee’s findings
The KwaZulu-Natal health portfolio committee’s oversight visit to the Provincial Pharmaceutical Supply Depot reveals critical insights into the province’s ongoing medicine shortages.
South Africa bans cannabis food products
The South African government has prohibited the sale of cannabis food products, contradicting previous decriminalisation efforts.
Why did South Africa ban cannabis edibles? Understanding the government's contradictory decisions
Activists are left reeling as the South African government abruptly bans cannabis edibles, raising questions about the future of the industry and the government's commitment to cannabis legalisation.
A Blow to Cannabis Freedom' | Health Department's sudden edibles ban angers activists
In an unexpected move that has shocked South Africa's cannabis industry, the Department of Health has imposed a comprehensive ban on cannabis and hemp-derived food products. The decision has sparked fierce opposition from long-time decriminalisation activists, who view it as a major setback for the industry's growth and economic potential.
Department of Health bans the making and selling of cannabis edibles in South Africa
South Africa's cannabis industry faces unprecedented challenges as the Department of Health implements a sudden ban on edible products, contradicting government's recent drive towards cannabis commercialization. Industry stakeholders demand answers from Minister Motsoaledi.
Ombudsman report reveals staff shortages and governance issues at Helen Joseph Hospital
The Ombudsman’s investigation into Helen Joseph Hospital uncovers alarming governance issues and staffing shortages that threaten patient care.