News

 

Africa gets generic version of most effective HIV drug

Posted on Leave a comment

NAIROBI – The generic version of the most advanced drug against HIV has been introduced in Kenya, a first in Africa where more than 25m have the disease, the NGO Unitaid said. The drug, Dolutegravir (DTG) is the anti-retroviral drug of choice for those living with HIV in developed countries, but its high price has..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

Shortage of National cancer drug may last until October

Posted on Leave a comment

A deadly national cancer drug shortage is approaching its third month and patients may have to go without until October – if they can make it. In February, Nic Basson was diagnosed with glioblastoma multiforme, a fast-growing malignant brain tumour, which is located in his brain’s language centre and affects his ability to communicate. He..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

Hospital cash-back plans crimped by new law

Posted on Leave a comment

The demarcation regulations clearly distinguish between medical insurance products and medical aid schemes. For the consumer, this means that while limited gap cover and hospital cash-back plans will still be allowed, primary healthcare insurance policies will no longer be available. All existing policies will need to align with the regulations from 1 January 2018. Affected..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

How to choose a medical aid

Posted on Leave a comment

Most medical schemes have launched their benefits and contributions for 2017 and it is the time when you should be re-looking at your existing medical aid cover or, if you are wanting to join a scheme, investigating which one suits you best. The medical aid landscape can be tricky to navigate so it is important..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

Non-invasive scan for liver disease

Posted on Leave a comment

In the past the only way to measure a liver’s elasticity was through a biopsy, but now, a non-invasive alternative has emerged, whereby elasticity of a patient’s liver can be measured using vibration-controlled transient elastography (VCTE). Adopted as a frontline tool for assessing liver fibrosis by the European Association for the Study of the Liver..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

Healtcare Services Delivery need to change in Africa

Posted on Leave a comment

Healthcare services delivery in Africa needs to change, but no-one is quite certain how. What is certain is that future trends will be driven by access to big data, to shape new models of care in driving innovative, affordable and accessible services, across this diverse continent. With 1,2bn people, many enjoying a longer life, and..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

South Africans are urged by dietitians to ‘Eat Fact Not Fiction’ June 2017

Posted on Leave a comment

Nutrition advice promising all sorts, from weight loss to healthier living and even cures for diseases, spread like wildfire across social media. In the era of ‘alternative facts’ and post-truth, ‘the latest, greatest nutrition advice’ from dubious sources can unfortunately tempt many away from accepted dietary guidelines and recommendations based on years of evidence. ‘Eat..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

This Popular Children’s Medication ‘Is Basically Crystal Meth’ Warns Doctor

Posted on Leave a comment

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a brain disorder marked by an ongoing pattern of inattention and/or hyperactivity-impulsivity that interferes with functioning or development.”(1) It’s characterized by three key traits: inattention, hyperactivity, and impulsivity. This condition, as well as ADD (attention deficit disorder), are diagnosed by observing behaviors. There..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!

 
 

Genesis wins case on accounting for use of medical savings funds

Posted on Leave a comment

On Tuesday, the Constitutional Court ruled that all funds paid by members to their schemes should be considered as assets, regardless of their intended use. Genesis medical scheme has won its legal battle with the Council of Medical Schemes over how to account for the funds in members’ medical savings accounts (MSAs), a development that..
Continue reading…

Enjoyed this post? Share it!