In-depth: Concerns over treatment and care for people with schizophrenia not limited to public sector

Posted in: Healthcare system, Latest, Mental Health

South Africa’s shortage of public sector psychologists and psychiatrists has made headlines several times in recent years. This has implications for the treatment of schizophrenia in the public sector. But, as Thabo Molelekwa reports, the picture in the private sector is also far from rosy, with several experts questioning the extent to which medical schemes currently provide cover for people with schizophrenia.

In-depth: Concerns over treatment and care for people with schizophrenia not limited to public sector

In-depth: Codeine regulation – a tussle between pain relief and addiction

Posted in: Access to Medicines, Healthcare system, Latest

Whether a pharmacist suggests it for treating headaches or whether a doctor prescribes it for managing post-surgical pain, chances are good that at some point you’ve taken a pain pill containing the opioid codeine. But since codeine can be addictive and withdrawal symptoms severe, regulation of the drug in South Africa has turned into a headache. Elri Voigt takes an in-depth look at the complexities of codeine regulation.