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Personal stories: Five year wait for cancer radiation treatment 

Behind the protests against the long waiting times for cancer treatment in Gauteng, are patients whose lives are at a standstill.
People filing in front of building

Getting homoeopathic regulations right could help South Africa deliver better healthcare  

Proposed restrictions in the Department of Health’s draft scope of practice could limit homeopaths’ access to essential medicines and therapies.
Sexual abuse: Why boys are often invisible victims

South African teens are struggling: Western Cape study shows 33% have symptoms of depression

The age range of 10- to 14-year-olds has been neglected. This age group is important because half of all mental health problems develop before the age of 14.
A nurse taking patient's blood pressure measurement

Stories from the ground: North West nurse disheartened by persistent medicine shortages

I am a professional nurse at Jericho clinic in the North West. I have been working at this clinic since April 2021 after leaving Unit 9 clinic in Ngaka Modiri, also in the North West.  I left Unit 9 in March 2021 because of challenges that included consistent shortages of medication like ARVs, TB drugs and psychiatric drugs. Little did I know that the problems I thought I was running away from at Unit 9 would catch up with me at Jericho clinic.  My first few months at the clinic were great. I enjoyed working here because I did not experience many challenges in providing good patient care. I was working in the mother and child department where I dealt with childhood vaccinations, antenatal care and postnatal care.   With antenatal care, pregnant women are given folic acid. Folic acid is important for the growing foetus. Mothers are given a pack

Cancer patients express joy as oncology unit opens at Rob Ferreira Hospital in Mbombela.

South Africa’s healthcare system: eight steps that would get it on the right track

South Africa’s healthcare system suffers from widespread problems in its governance. Indicators confirm that there are system-wide failures.
Close up of doctors' hands typing on a tablet

Technology makes it possible to diagnose diseases on the spot – but South Africa’s public healthcare system faces several obstacles

Testing at the point of care – where the patient is being treated – saves time that would have been spent waiting for results to come back from a laboratory.
Broken paper with read heart

Romantic breakups can spark severe trauma in young people – new study

Mental healthcare providers and student counselling services should recognise the possible intensity of breakups and consider screening for post-traumatic stress symptoms following a breakup.
Portait of a woman working at a desk

Tribute: Prof Lynette Denny, a giant bows out  

Denny was a gynaecological oncologist who dedicated decades of her life to cervical cancer research, screening and treatment.
close up of man getting vaccinated

Should I get the flu vaccine? South African experts say yes – here’s why

Most individuals infected with the flu virus will have mild illness. But certain groups of people are at risk of having severe flu illness or having flu complications or death.

The Malnutrition Crisis: Prioritising the Health and Well-being of Future Generations

As the dust settles on the recent elections, it is time for the new administration to confront a silent catastrophe that has plagued our nation for far too long – the malnutrition crisis.

Dr Chat GPT: Can AI improve healthcare in Africa?

New healthcare apps powered by AI are being launched across Africa, helping to provide fast, affordable, and user-friendly medical advice and lifesaving treatment to thousands of people who may otherwise have not had access to it.
a couple sitting outside vaping

Upholding public health over tobacco industry interference: is government doing enough?

Passing the Tobacco Control Bill would have substantial health benefits, reducing noncommunicable diseases and healthcare costs, and improving societal well-being.

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