The issues surrounding universal health coverage '€“ how an adequate standard of health care can be provided to all people '€“ have never been more controversial or politically relevant than now. Globally, paying for medical expenses out of pocket is still the dominant method of meeting health care costs, and WHO estimates published in 2010 suggest that more than a billion people cannot use the health services they need, either because they are not available, or because they cannot afford to use them.

Mediclinic has commented on the CMS Annual Report, read their statement here.

The Council for Medical Schemes has just released its latest Annual Report, for the 2011-2012 financial year. Read it here.

Another day. Another story about state patients dying and suffering. Another distressed letter from desperate health workers. Another call for action and accountability from civil society. Another statement from government. Another day in Gauteng.

The Treatment Action Campaign (TAC) has lodged a complaint with the Public Protector against the KwaZulu-Natal Health MEC Sibongiseni Dhlomo and the provincial health department over its continued use of the Tara KLamp (TK) in male circumcisions.

SECTION27has called for national intervention in the Gauteng health department and needs-based budgeting to ensure '€œeveryone has a right of access to health care services'€.