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The Competition Commission has gazetted the terms of reference for the market inquiry into private healthcare, it said on Friday.
This was in accordance with the provisions of the Competition Act, which state that an inquiry can start 20 business days after gazetting.
"The inquiry will probe the private healthcare sector holistically to determine the factors that restrict, prevent, or distort competition, and underlie increases in private healthcare prices and expenditure in South Africa," the commission said in a statement.
"The commission is currently finalising the appointment of a panel comprising experts that will preside over the hearings, review submissions, examine evidence and draft the inquiry report and recommendations."
The inquiry was expected to start on January 6 and would be completed by November 2015. Evidence would be gathered through public hearings, reviews of secondary material, information requests, consultations, and summons, as required.
Deputy commissioner Trudi Makhaya said: "The commission wishes to thank stakeholders for their support for the inquiry and valuable input on the terms of reference.
"We look forward to a robust, evidence-based inquiry that will illuminate the competitive dynamics of private healthcare markets to form the basis for sound recommendations."