The heart transplant unit at Groote Schuur Hospital in Cape Town, where
Christiaan Barnard performed the first heart transplant in 1967, has been forced
to reduce its operations and may even close because of a lack of money. The unit
is a casualty of the South African government’s emphasis on primary health care.
Half the unit’s staff have left since 1995.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
News
Life
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
News
Humans
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
Features
91É«ÇéƬ
Your menstrual cycle may affect how well vaccines work
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles
1
Where, when and how to watch the 2026 solar eclipse
2
Humans sleep the least of all apes – is it the secret to our success?
3
Our verdict on The Selfish Gene: An unpopular piece of popular science
4
Remote-controlled cockroach swarm can now breathe underwater
5
We’ve uncovered a master gene that switches on human development
6
Europe’s heatwave is the hottest and most humid ever
7
If you aren't terrified by this heatwave, you should be
8
Childbirth for many primate species is even harder than for humans
9
The best sci-fi novel in 2026 so far – plus 6 other great reads
10
US government wants to have a useful quantum computer by 2028
