A Bold Step Forward
What the 2025/26 Health Budget means for South Africa’s Medical Professionals
On 9 July 2025, Minister of Health Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi presented the Department of Health’s R64.8 billion budget for 2025/26, marking a significant shift toward strengthening South Africa’s healthcare system, reversing budget cuts, and preparing the sector for National Health Insurance (NHI). An additional R6.7 billion was allocated by Treasury to reverse austerity-driven damage.
As SAMDP, we welcome this renewed commitment to improving infrastructure, employing additional healthcare professionals, and ensuring sustainable health services. These priorities align with our ongoing call for investment in the public health system and the dignity of frontline healthcare workers.
What this means for healthcare professionals:
- More job opportunities: The Department will appoint 1,200 doctors, 200 nurses, and 27,000 community health workers permanently, offering meaningful employment for newly qualified professionals and stability for those in contract roles.
- Improved working conditions: Funds have been allocated to purchase beds, linens, pharmaceuticals, and key supplies which are critical for restoring the functionality and morale in hospitals and clinics.
- Strengthened infrastructure: New and refurbished facilities across provinces will reduce patient backlogs, improve quality of care, and support professionals in delivering services with dignity.
- Support for HIV and NCD response: The focus on HIV, TB, and the upcoming rollout of long-acting HIV prevention medication (Lenacapavir) shows responsiveness to current public health needs, requiring active engagement from our medical community.
SAMDP commends the vision and intent behind the 2025/26 budget, but implementation must be swift, transparent, and equitable. As a professional body of doctors and dentists, we will continue advocating for:
- Proper placement of newly qualified doctors and dentists
- Fair remuneration and safe working environments
- Policies that advance the NHI without compromising the integrity of the profession
Together, we can shape a healthcare system that works—for patients and practitioners alike.
