In-depth: What two major bills might mean for health sector procurement in SA

Between South Africa’s Public Procurement Bill and the National Health Insurance Bill, health sector procurement in the country is set for a major shake-up – all as a landmark court decision recently reaffirmed the Constitutional imperative that public procurement must be conducted in a transparent way. Alicestine October takes a deep dive into the accelerating currents of procurement reform.

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Report finds some improvement at Mpumalanga clinics, but serious challenges remain

The community-led clinic monitoring project, Ritshidze last week, released its follow-up report on the state of (primary) healthcare in Mpumalanga. There were some improvements, but patients are still waiting over four hours to be seen at some clinics. Nthusang Lefafa unpacks some of the report’s findings and asked the health department about its plans to address these shortcomings.

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Gauteng Health: Has a damning Public Protector report had any impact?

After visiting several hospitals in Gauteng in 2020, the Public Protector found that the Gauteng health department has failed to ensure appropriate conditions for the enjoyment and delivery of healthcare services for Gauteng residents. Ahead of the Gauteng health budget vote speech this week, Thabo Molelekwa looked at what has changed after the Public Protector’s recommendations and asked health experts what it will take to improve public healthcare services in the province.

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OPINION: Despite some positives, budget is not up to our health challenges

As we transition towards a different strategy in the management of the COVID-19 pandemic and look to build up better, there was an expectation that the budget tabled this week, would provide insight into the government’s response and strategy to address the gaps left by COVID. Russel Rensburg looks at some of the budget’s hits and misses as it relates to healthcare.

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In-depth: SA’s mental health policy has lapsed, what happens next?

Once widely hailed, South Africa’s Mental Health Policy Framework and Strategic Plan 2013 – 2020 lapsed last year, with mixed reviews on its implementation from mental healthcare stakeholders. The National Department of Health now says the revised and updated Policy Framework and Plan will be in place in the next financial year. Tiyese Jeranji spoke to experts and activists about what the lapsed policy framework achieved and what to improve.

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