SPECTRAMED Medical Scheme to “launch” 2009 products by speaking directly to members

Johannesburg, 20 October 2008: SPECTRAMED Medical Scheme today commenced with a series of member information sessions countrywide in order to communicate directly with its members. Instead of spending resources on the industry typical national launch road show directed at industry associates, and taking the current financial climate into consideration, the Scheme's executives have decided to speak directly to the members around South Africa openly about the 2009 product design, development and pricing, whilst giving members the platform to have any queries or unresolved matters dealt with.

“Our members are our first priority, as the owners of the scheme they have the right to be fully informed about all changes taking place,” says Quincy Beukes, CEO and Principal Officer of SPECTRAMED.

The normal annual comprehensive communication pack is still being sent to all members in addition to these national member information sessions (as per the document attached). The pack includes specific details about the product option changes being implemented, and covers a SPECTRAMED' update on the scheme and the move from the current administrator moving the Medscheme Group effective 1 January 2009. Other changes include some annual product design adjustments and annual premium increases. These member sessions which commence in Johannesburg today and will take the team to Pretoria, Cape Town, Port Elizabeth, Durban, Nelspruit and Polokwane over the next three weeks.

SPECTRAMED have also included specific similar sessions countrywide where they will address brokers and corporate clients directly.