Discovery takes its Vitality model to China

[Nick Hedley] Following its success in SA, the incentive-based Discovery Vitality model has been implemented in the US and UK, and is now available in China through Ping An Health. 22 May 2012 09:12

Tricky NHI transplant

The five-year pilot phase of the National Health Insurance (NHI) may be limited to rural and peri-urban areas, but it has unnerved the predominantly urban private medical aid scheme industry. 11 May 2012 16:43

Economic downturn has a negative impact on healthcare

As the public increasingly labours under the effects of the extended economic downturn, fresh concerns are being raised about the effect that non-compliance with medical treatments will have on the health of individuals and the ultimate cost to the public purse. Although treatment non-compliance has always posed challenges, the problem is exacerbated during difficult economic times. 2 May 2012 12:16

Back to basics for NHI programme

Details of the National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot programme have been fleshed out, and health minister Aaron Motsoaledi is working to win the buy-in of patients as well as players in the private health-care sector. 13 Apr 2012 15:26

Is the High Court ruling on PMB's a Pyrrhic victory for consumers?

John Cranke, Regional Head at PSG Konsult Corporate (PSGKC) comments on the decision by the High Court to dismiss the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) application to have Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMBs) reimbursed at medical scheme rates (as opposed to at cost). 4 Apr 2012 08:27

Public, private health sector pledge support for NHI

[Gabi Khumalo] Health stakeholders from the private and public sector have pledged their support for the National Health Insurance (NHI), although some are still concerned about how the scheme will be implemented. 29 Mar 2012 11:22

Travelling? Make sure you have insurance

[Hanri Pretorius] When you're planning an overseas holiday, insurance is usually the last thing on your mind: but travelling without proper insurance can leave you and your family destitute if anything happens. 19 Mar 2012 06:33

Discovery excited about Ping An Health's potential

[Ray Faure] Health insurer Discovery says it remains excited about the potential of its Chinese joint venture Ping An Health and the ability to build a leading health insurance company in China. 27 Feb 2012 09:20

New health facilities to prepare Mpuma for NHI

In a bid to create an environment conducive to the successful implementation of the National Health Insurance (NHI), seven community health centres and clinics will be constructed and existing facilities upgraded in Mpumalanga. 24 Feb 2012 16:21

Minister signals move towards single public service

Public Service and Administration Minister Roy Padayachie says government is ready to implement the ambitious plan of setting up a single public service, which was abandoned a few years ago due to lack of institutional capacity. 21 Feb 2012 09:39

Health standards compliance 'vital to NHI plan'

[Wyndham Hartley] The proposed independent office of health standards compliance was a vital step for the introduction of a National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi told Parliament Wednesday, 15 February 2012. 17 Feb 2012 15:53

Will the Budget introduce sin tax to fund NHI?

[Lullu Krugel] Market commentators are anticipating more clarity from the National Budget Speech regarding the funding mechanism for National Health Insurance (NHI) funding, following the release of its Policy Paper last year. 15 Feb 2012 13:01

Pensioners set to benefit from NHI

The introduction of the National Health Insurance (NHI) initiative has been examined as to the impact it will have on those who do not have any medical cover, yet one of the overlooked areas is the fact that it will also help to alleviate a major cost burden for those in retirement. 10 Feb 2012 15:27

Check cancer cover on medical aid before cut-off date

Most medical aid cover is up for renewal before 31 December 2011 and cancer patient advocates, along with cancer advocacy group, Campaigning for Cancer, say now is the time for medical aid members and cancer patients to choose their benefits for 2012. 15 Dec 2011 13:05