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OurHealth is a project that trains and supports local activists and aspiring health journalists. Our citizen journalists (CJs)  live in rural and poorly-covered areas in South Africa, and report on health issues affecting their communities.

Group of Mahikeng men are taking a stand against Gender-Based Violence (GBV).

No news about investigation into nurse’s inappropriate Facebook comment

The department has been slow in providing updates, and would not confirm if the nurse has been suspended, or is still working, while the investigation is underway.
3d render crime scene tape against blurred city background 1 scaled

Family in the dark a month after Limpopo psych ward shooting 

According to police, Ledwaba was allegedly attacked by another patient who was found on top of his bloodied body during a violent altercation on March 8.
doctors preparing for operation

‘Doctors left scissors inside me,’ claims EC woman after operation  

Nomveliso Nqketho is seeking answers after surgical scissors were allegedly left inside her during an emergency operation.
Woman holding pregnancy test

Durban clinic asks patients to buy their own pregnancy tests 

Some women seeking the removal of contraceptive implants or intrauterine devices face delays due to equipment shortages or lack of water.

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Health-e News Service

Health-e News is a non-profit, online publication focused on pressing health issues in South Africa. We centre community voices through our network of nationwide citizen journalists.

As SA gets closer to rolling out the NHI, new concerns are surfacing, this time, about who handles patient complaints.Sections 42–44 of the Act say that a centralised complaints unit within the NHI Fund itself, will be the sole body managing all complaints. But health professionals and advocacy groups worry: Can a system truly hold itself accountable?Public Health Specialist Prof Hassan Mahomed says this could blur the lines between independent oversight and internal policing, especially when complaints are directed at the NHI Fund.The Health Ombud’s office, meant to serve as an independent watchdog, already struggles with limited resources. Deputy Director General for the NHI, Dr Nicholas Crisp, says the Fund will keep records of all complaints and will be held accountable. Find out more in the comments. #healthnews ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

Sahpra is raising the alarm over a surge in fraudulent service providers posing as SAHPRA-accredited. The watchdog says it has learned about a troubling trend of individuals and businesses using falsified licences to deceive the public and carry out unregulated operations, putting lives at risk. The warning comes amid the booming popularity of cannabis-infused products in South Africa, from beverages and snacks to baked goods.However, the lack of proper regulation, safety testing, and transparent labelling has sparked concern. Nozipho*, a 47-year-old Braynston woman, was hospitalised after consuming a cannabis-infused drink, purchased from a pharmacy. She tells Health-e News that she found the juice in an aisle containing other fruit juices, and it had no distinct labelling.Have you ever had a similar experience? Find out more in the comments. #cannabis #cannabisdrinks #healthnews ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

The Gauteng health department has come under criticism for its deplorable human resources management, which has incentivised employees to exaggerate their leave days.According to a source who also attended a meeting on leave day policies, an audit is currently underway to verify the number of employees who have taken unauthorised incapacity leave a type of leave taken by an employee when they are unable to work due to ill health or injury, and they have exhausted their standard sick leave.Between the 2021/22 and 2024/25 financial years, a total of 8,571 healthcare employees in Gauteng have exhausted their sick leave entitlements. Find out more in the comments. #healthnews #healthcareworkers #Healthcare ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

"No health measures needed": Health Minister Dr Aaron Motsoaledi says the new COVID-19 variant, which has been detected in several Asian countries, is being monitored by the NNational Institute for Communicable Diseasesand there's no need for concern. Watch to learn more.#COVID19 #Covid19variant #nimbusvariant ... See MoreSee Less
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2 weeks ago

A new COVID-19 variant has been identified in several Asian countries. 🦠The National Institute for Communicable Diseases says they are closely monitoring the variant which has not been detected in South Africa yet. Share with a friend and help prevent the spread of misinformation. #COVID19 #nimbusvariant #healthnews ... See MoreSee Less
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Health Fact

Did you know TB is the leading cause of death in South Africa? Anyone can get infected. If you show any symptoms, it's important to get tested immediately.

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