Cabinet recently approved a new Intellectual Property (IP) Consultative Framework for South Africa. This follows a Draft National IP Policy published for comment in 2013 – on which we and many other groups commented.[1] The 2013 Draft National IP Policy committed to reforming South Africa’s patent law to address shortcomings Continue Reading
The National Health Assembly, held at the University of the Western Cape from 24 – 26 June brought together organisations and individuals from all provinces in South Africa and beyond. The NHA participants identified the following issues around health and health care provision in South Africa: • the need for Continue Reading
The Facts The Free State health care system, under MEC Benny Malakoane’s leadership, is one of the worst and fastest worsening in the country. Community Health Workers (CHWs) are a critical cadre of workers. They are in intended to be the backbone of the health care system. However, their conditions Continue Reading
Netcare agreed that the HPCSA is dysfunctional and the issue is particularly concerning because the country has a shortage of health professionals. Netcare emphasised the limitations on private bodies to train professionals proposing that the inadequacy in training capacity indicates a need for private medical training.
On 24 February 2016 the Health Market Inquiry heard presentations from the South African Medical Association (SAMA), the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists (SASA) and the South African Optometric Association (SAOA). According to SAMA, one of its main functions is to administer and publish procedural codes which are used throughout the Continue Reading
In March 2015, the South African Human Rights Commission held a hearing on Emergency Medical Services in the Eastern Cape. The Commission’s interest in Eastern Cape emergency medical services emerged from a complaint submitted to the Commission by the community of Xhora Mouth, a group of around 2000 people living Continue Reading
MEDIA STATEMENT PATIENT GROUPS LAUNCH AMICUS CURIAE APPLICATION IN WESTERN CAPE HIGH COURT 17 June 2015 CAPE TOWN – On Thursday, 18 June 2015, the application launched by Treatment Action Campaign (TAC), South African Depression & Anxiety Group (SADAG) and People Living with Cancer (PLWC) to intervene as amici curiae Continue Reading
A case coming before the Constitutional Court holds serious consequences for public health and the fight against TB in South Africa. South Africa has one of the highest incidence rates of TB in the world. TB is the leading cause of death in South Africa and has been for many years. HIV co-infection and the increasing prevalence of drug resistant TB add to the urgency of addressing the TB epidemic. Doing so should be a top priority of the state.
On the 27th July 2012, TAC/Section27/CALS met with Gauteng Health MEC Mr Hope Papo, HOD Dr Nomonde Xundu and heads of departments.
On the agenda for discussion was a formal response to TAC’s memorandum that was delivered at the Provincial Department of Health (PDOH) on the 12th June 2012.
SECTION27 has sent a request to the United Nations Special Rapporteur for Health, reqesting him to investigate alleged violations of the right to health against the State of Qatar. In October 2010, “MR” was employed by Al Jazeera English as a Senior Editor and moved to Qatar. Following severe discrimination and cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment by both Al Jazeera and Qatar, MR was detained by Qatari authorities, and then unfairly dismissed by Al Jazeera and deported from Qatar in January 2011. The reason for his detention, dismissal and deportation was his HIV status. This is a direct violation of the right to health and cannot be condoned.
SECTION27 applauds yesterday’s decision by the United States Supreme Court to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. The Act is President Barack Obama’s comprehensive health care reform legislation. It has the potential to enable the United States to achieve a goal that all countries, including South Africa, should strive toward: universal health care that is both high quality and affordable. In other words, quality health care for everyone.
The question for South Africans becomes: what lessons should South Africa take from this?
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The Treatment Action Campaign and SECTION27 Welcome the Minister’s Health Budget Vote. But More Needs to be Done to Deliver on the Right to Health. Announce and Implement Plans Urgently!
Read the full statement by clicking “read more” below.