OPINION: Underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure will cost us in the long run

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, NHI

Investment in public health facilities is crucial as the country weathers storms on various fronts – from drought (water shortages) and flooding putting strain on health infrastructure to a harsh economic climate that makes private healthcare unaffordable to more and more people. Mbali Baduza and Matshidiso Lencoasa assess the investments in infrastructure in the budget and what it means for the planned National Health Insurance system.

OPINION: Underinvestment in healthcare infrastructure will cost us in the long run

Experts unpack cabinet’s easing of restrictions

Posted in: Spotlight

This week, South Africa’s COVID-19 regulations were amended to state that people who have tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 who do not have symptoms do not have to self-isolate. People who have tested positive and who do have COVID-19 symptoms have to isolate for seven days unless a longer period is recommended by a medical practitioner. Chris Bateman spoke to some local experts about the reasoning behind the changes and what other changes may be warranted.

Experts unpack cabinet’s easing of restrictions

Ubuntu: COVID-19 and human rights sacrifice in SA

Posted in: Latest

Public health emergencies place immense power in the hands of executive leadership. This can pose a risk of creeping authoritarianism. Professor Narnia Bohler-Muller and Dr Benjamin Roberts explore the lessons that can be drawn from the findings of the University of Johannesburg and the Human Sciences Research Council’s online survey on the public’s views on lockdown regulations.

Ubuntu: COVID-19 and human rights sacrifice in SA

IN DEPTH: Power grab or tying loose ends? Experts respond to new health regulations

Posted in: Latest

As Health Minister, Dr Zweli Mkhize’s proposed amendments to regulations on notifiable medical conditions came under fire in Parliament this week, some public health and medical law experts welcomed the proposed amendments to the regulations and even made some suggestions on how it could be improved. Alicestine October took an in-depth look at what is at stake.

IN DEPTH: Power grab or tying loose ends? Experts respond to new health regulations

In-depth: The deals that will see public sector patients in private hospitals

Posted in: Latest

As COVID-19 case numbers continue to rise, so does the need for hospital beds. Kathryn Cleary explores the agreements that will see some public sector COVID-19 patients going to private hospitals and asks what this means for NHI.

In-depth: The deals that will see public sector patients in private hospitals

COVID-19: Constitutional Conundrums as lockdown court challenges mount

Posted in: Latest

A recent Pretoria High Court judgment declared the regulations under South Africa’s lockdown alert levels 3 and 4 invalid and unconstitutional. This case may well be overturned on appeal, but provides a critical opportunity for government to redirect and base its decision-making processes on transparency and participation.

COVID-19: Constitutional Conundrums as lockdown court challenges mount

COVID-19: Level 4, what’s different?

Posted in: Latest

On 1 May South Africa will enter a new phase of lockdown – level 4. Spotlight explains the different levels of lockdown and answers some questions surrounding what is allowed under level 4.

COVID-19: Progress on cell phone tracking, but concerns remain

Posted in: Latest

Government can now track people’s movements through their cell phones to establish who may have come into contact with people who have tested positive for COVID-19. Spotlight spoke to experts and activists about the new tracking plans.

COVID-19: Progress on cell phone tracking, but concerns remain

COVID-19: Minister Mkhize is responsible for coordinating with private sector

Posted in: Latest

Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize must use all the legal mechanisms at his disposal to ensure that the constitutional imperative that everyone has the right to have access to health care services is realised, writes Nkululeko Conco and Tendai Mafuma.

COVID-19: Minister Mkhize is responsible for coordinating with private sector

COVID-19: Leading health experts welcome lockdown as ‘right thing to do’

Posted in: Latest

While public health experts welcome the lockdown as “the right thing to do”, some warn that a lockdown alone is not the silver bullet.

COVID-19: Leading health experts welcome lockdown as ‘right thing to do’

COVID-19: SA’s lockdown is a brave decision in uncertain times

Posted in: Latest

The decision to institute a lockdown is evidence of a government taking both scientific evidence and the need to save lives seriously and then taking carefully considered action, writes Marcus Low.

COVID-19: SA’s lockdown is a brave decision in uncertain times

COVID-19: Government interventions have mixed reception in communities

Posted in: Latest

Eight days ago President Cyril Ramaphosa declared a national state of disaster. Spotlight looks back at the last week and listens to what community groups, farm workers, taxi operators and others have to say about COVID-19 and the various measures to prevent or slow its spread.