The government or compulsory health expenditures in South Africa have shown consistent growth over the past decade, increasing from 3.34% of GDP in 2013 to 3.78% of GDP in 2023. The trend from 2018 to 2023 sees an average annual growth rate of approximately 1.23%. Notably, between 2021 and 2023, the year-on-year growth rate has stabilized slightly above 1%, indicating a steady increase in healthcare investments relative to GDP.
Forecast data from 2024 to 2028 predict a continued, albeit moderate, increase in health expenditures, reaching 3.99% of GDP by 2028. The forecasted 5-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) from 2023 to 2028 is 0.84%, suggesting that while growth will continue, it may be at a slower pace compared to previous years.
Future trends to watch for include potential shifts in government policy and priorities in healthcare, economic fluctuations impacting GDP, and the influence of global health challenges on domestic health expenditures.
