Health e News

Mentally ill patient sparks fire in hospital ceiling

LIMPOPO – A mentally ill patient admitted to Letaba Hospital, at Nkowankowa near Tzaneen, almost set the hospital on fire by climbing into the ceiling and causing electrical cables to trip and spark.

Criminal system dehumanises sex workers

Sex workers are more likely to be victimised, raped and killed than other women at the hands of both police and clients. As long as sex work remains illegal individuals are left at the mercy of a dehumanising system. Any conversation on rape needs the input of sex workers: one of the most vulnerable communities.

World Heart Day: learning to survive heart attacks

World Heart Day, which happens every year on 29 September, will see iconic landmarks turned red in honour of the occasion with Table Mountain and the Wheel at the V&A Waterfront in Cape Town being lit up on Friday night.

Ban junk food adverts?

For the first time in world history, there are more obese than underweight people. Both are symptoms of malnutrition, part of a global food system geared towards profits. Activists want a radical shift in the entire food system, including a total ban on junk food advertising. Is it possible and will it make a difference?

‘Prophet’ accused of rape gets bail

LIMPOPO – Pastor Confidence Monyela (32), accused of raping young girls in one-on-one prayer sessions, was granted R12 000 bail by the Lenyenye Magistrate’s Court on Monday.

‘Rapidly increasing’ life expectancy but disease threatens progress

The latest Global Burden of Disease study data shows that South Africa continues to battle with HIV, road injuries and violence as well as diseases related to obesity.

Plan to tackle heart attacks, strokes to save 100-million lives

Global control of blood pressure, salt reduction and artificial trans fats elimination could save 100 million lives.

Learn from Esidimeni: Invest in community mental health

Community-based mental health organisations are cash-strapped, and face ongoing threats from government that their subsidies will be cut. But the Esidimeni tragedy shows that more money should be invested in these facilities to protect patients from being discharged into hostile communities before they are ready.

Community calls for university of agriculture

EASTERN CAPE – The nation of AmaMpondo aseMpuma has called on government to revive Lusikisiki College of Education and convert it into an agricultural university.

Municipality refuses to rebuild demolished houses

EASTERN CAPE – The Ingquza Hill Local Municipality is fighting a second high court order instructing it to build new houses for more than 150 residents at New Rest in Lusikisiki.

Esidimeni: Doctors erase ‘unnatural’ deaths

The dead have one final shot at justice. It lies with the medical officers who sign their death certificate. They are supposed to refer questionable deaths for post-mortems, but even this was bungled for the Esidimeni patients. SARAH WILD reports

‘Prophet’ pleads not guilty to raping girls

Limpopo – Pastor Confidence Monyela (32) from Mariveni village near Nkowankowa outside Tzaneen, on trial for raping four young girls during prayer sessions, has pleaded not guilty to five charges of rape and one charge of sexual assault.

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