GPs working in the National Health Insurance’s biggest pilot site say they won’t stay because of drug stock-outs, staff shortages and long queues
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/ 11 February 2016
Some residents in rural towns in Mpumalanga have to chose between buying food or going to the doctor.
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/ 11 February 2016
Poor management and leadership instability lead to R2-billion in irregular expenditure.
Although the scheme’s white paper was released at an economically uncertain time, it brings possibilities to those in need.
Readers write in about the NHI, the Constitution and social cohesion.
Efficient management is key to a functioning health insurance plan
But the Free Market Foundation maintains the plan will cost the state more than it raises in taxes.
The government has set several commendable goals but will have to improve its delivery.
The health scheme is scheduled to be functioning by 2025 but the precise costs are still not known.
Pressing financial challenges that have befuddled previous ministers include health insurance, free education and the nuclear deal with Russia.
SA is working towards reducing the high cost of private healthcare and ensuring public healthcare is of quality. But it won’t happen overnight.
A centre employing only men has opened in Khayelitsha to address the needs of males uneasy about being seen at mixed-gender facilities.
Doctors say Dihlabeng hospital doesn’t have the medicine and staff to help patients.
The Constitution doesn’t allow Motsoaledi to give health MECs direct instructions, but his "political influence" would help a great deal.
President Jacob Zuma has reiterated government’s commitment to get the National Health Service into operation – despite drawing criticism in the past.
The Rural Health Advocacy Project says the budget was "disappointing" as it does not make provision for improvements in healthcare service delivery.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi has left serious questions about the National Health Insurance scheme unanswered, writes Chris Archer.
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/ 6 February 2014
Minister, please sit down with the private health sector before the NHI has us paying more but getting less, writes Dr Chris Archer.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi describes Dr Chris Archer’s criticism of the national health insurance as ignorant at best.
Rwanda, too, has succeeded in doing what this country has only been talking about for 18 years..
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/ 5 December 2013
Fixing healthcare needs a multidisciplinary approach, not just a medical focus.
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/ 9 September 2013
Health editor Mia Malan talks about Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi’s decision to use public hospitals and the NHI.
An effective healthcare system will free up donor money for more desperate countries.
NHI details are not clear but it is certain that the priveged few will have to do with less.
Experts say the National Health Insurance scheme could benefit rich and poor, with positive broader outcomes.
Its health system is comparable to the best in the world, achieved at a fraction of the cost of others.
Healthcare that is accessible to all is the foundation on which an equitable and efficient system must be built.
Mia Malan reports on the challenges of involving medical schemes in the administration of the National Health Insurance scheme.
GPs with their own practices are interested in working for the NHI scheme – with caveats.
In the first of a two-part series about the NHI, Mia Malan reports on state plans to change the rigid reimbursement formula for private doctors.
What, if anything, does the private healthcare sector have to offer the rural poor?
An industry-wide probe into private healthcare seems likely, but stakeholders fear a witch hunt.