Latest news with #Medshield
Zawya
05-08-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Why climate change is reshaping health and healthcare funding?
When we consider the threats to our health, we tend to focus on the obvious: chronic illnesses, poor nutrition, or physical inactivity. However, another force is quietly accelerating health risks and driving up medical costs: climate change. At Medshield Medical Scheme, this is not just a theory. It is a pattern we see in our members' health and claims data. Climate change has moved from being an environmental concern to a direct threat to public health. And it demands a fast, strategic, and systemic response. Climate stress is fuelling health and cost crises Climate change amplifies acute and chronic health conditions and we're seeing a rise in climate-related conditions across both urban and rural member groups. In rural areas, health issues associated with the declining air quality and environmental exposure are fuelling claims for respiratory infections, tuberculosis, asthma, and bronchitis. In cities, extreme weather conditions, pollution, and economic stressors are resulting in anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. It is not just a series of isolated trends. It's a signal that our healthcare system must evolve to address a new, climate-driven health landscape. Environmental factors like heat, pollution, and limited access to clean water and food make managing lifestyle diseases like diabetes, heart disease, and obesity even harder. The result includes rising claims, soaring costs, and poorer health outcomes. Our strategy: prevention first, with climate in mind At Medshield, we follow a prevention-first approach. Our managed care programmes are designed to detect and manage chronic conditions early; especially in high-risk environments where climate change adds pressure. We support vulnerable members through targeted coaching and early interventions. This is not just about managing costs. It is about delivering care that reflects the realities our members face every day. Tackling the health access gap Climate change disproportionately impacts vulnerable communities. Poorer regions, rural areas, and underserved populations bear the brunt of health crises driven by environmental stress. Within our regulatory framework, we support our members through targeted corporate social initiatives that aim to bridge access gaps, providing wellness screenings, lifestyle support, and access to cost-effective care through our designated provider networks. As we advance, broader systemic change is needed. We support reforms that promote proactive outreach in vulnerable communities and drive social and environmental change across the entire healthcare value chain. Without this, climate change will continue to widen the access and outcomes gap and will deepen existing health inequalities. Technology as a catalyst Technology is central to building a climate-resilient healthcare model as it enables virtual consultations, digital claims, and communication tools that reduce paper usage and travel, thereby boosting both efficiency and environmental sustainability. Digital transformation and innovation play a dual role in our strategy. On one hand it reduces our operational footprint through virtual consultations, electronic claims and digital engagement channels, and on the other, it improves disease management. We are also piloting AI-powered care management tools that help monitor and manage conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, and cataracts. These tools can flag early warning signs and recommend timely interventions, particularly for illnesses exacerbated by climate impacts. Operationally, we've introduced WhatsApp-based support, enhanced the Medshield App, and rolled out hyper-automation in credit control and claims processing. These steps improve the member experience and make our operations leaner and greener. Building for resilience and long-term health As we integrate ESG (environmental, social, and governance) principles into our operations, from benefit design to supplier selection, we are guided by a simple truth: healthier environments lead to healthier people. And healthier people strengthen and sustain medical schemes. Yet across the industry, ESG is still too often treated as a compliance checklist. Regulatory barriers and the lack of a system-wide preventive care strategy have slowed meaningful progress. At Medshield, 2025 marks our first full year of ESG implementation. While we are still early in this journey, we believe small, smart actions, such as going paperless, digitising care, and enhancing wellness programmes, can drive meaningful change. Adapt or fall behind Climate change is not a future threat; it is a present and growing health crisis. Medical schemes have a choice: evolve or be left behind. At Medshield, we are taking action because in a warming world, protecting health is no longer optional. It's essential. A call to collaborate on systemic reform The health effects of climate change are real, rising, and unevenly distributed. The question facing us all, regulators, medical schemes, and policymakers, is whether we will adapt in time. Medical schemes can and should be part of the solution. However, we need a regulatory framework that empowers us to prevent, innovate, and act before climate-related illnesses become a national health emergency. At Medshield, we are committed to collaborating with regulators and public stakeholders alike to develop a healthcare system that is fit for the future – resilient, equitable, and responsive to the realities of a changing climate. All rights reserved. © 2022. Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
South Africa: Medshield is committed to building a sustainable healthcare future
Are you curious about what makes businesses stand out in our current environment? It's certainly not about the bottom line and the financials anymore. It's about how they impact the world – the environment, the societies in which they operate, and their governance structures. Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) principles have become indispensable in a world grappling with climate change, social inequalities, and corporate accountability. While sectors like mining, energy, and manufacturing have typically been under the ESG spotlight, healthcare is now stepping into focus. Integrating ESG principles is crucial for medical schemes to ensure the future sustainability of healthcare. Factors such as escalating costs, the rise of lifestyle-related diseases, and the environmental impact of medical waste make ESG adoption necessary. Medshield Medical Scheme aligns sustainability with healthcare excellence by developing an ESG roadmap featuring clear corporate sustainability goals. This effort sets the benchmark for responsible healthcare funding in South Africa, paving the way for a more resilient healthcare system. Learning from South African ESG leaders Medshield acknowledges the importance of gaining insights from industry leaders who have effectively integrated ESG principles into their business models. Locally, Life Healthcare is actively driving sustainable healthcare by incorporating energy efficiency and water-saving measures across its hospital network. Aspen Pharmacare, one of South Africa's largest pharmaceutical companies, has embedded ESG principles into its global operations – most notably with sustainable manufacturing practices and community health support initiatives. Sanlam has demonstrated leadership in sustainable investment practices, governance transparency, and transformation targets in the insurance sector, aligning financial strength with social progress. Novartis South Africa also contributes to local ESG progress through public-private partnerships to expand access to healthcare and drive inclusive health equity. By benchmarking against these homegrown leaders and learning from their practical examples, Medshield aims to refine and strengthen its ESG roadmap. Although still in its preliminary stages, Medshield is laying the foundation for meaningful impact. 1. Environmental impact: Pollution and waste management Environmental sustainability is a fundamental ESG pillar, and healthcare providers must tackle pollution and waste management. The healthcare sector produces substantial medical, pharmaceutical, and electronic waste, which can result in severe environmental consequences if not meticulously managed. Life Healthcare has taken a proactive role in managing medical waste and improving energy usage within hospital environments. Aspen Pharmacare has also been recognised for its commitment to reducing environmental impact through improved production technologies and waste reduction systems. Inspired by these local initiatives, Medshield is exploring energy-efficient infrastructure and renewable energy solutions to reduce its environmental footprint and contribute to sustainable healthcare. 2. Social impact: Climate change and human health Climate change poses an escalating threat to public health. Rising temperatures and pollution levels contribute to lifestyle ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and respiratory conditions. Medshield recognises its responsibility to mitigate these health risks through preventive healthcare programmes, chronic disease management, and promoting wellness benefits to its members. In parallel, Novartis South Africa continues to lead in raising awareness and improving access to treatment for chronic diseases, with a focus on underserved communities. Medshield similarly integrates ESG principles across its internal operations to ensure alignment with corporate sustainability goals and regulatory compliance while supporting climate resilience through health. 3. Corporate responsibility: Social initiatives and member engagement ESG leaders in South Africa prioritise healthcare access and equity. Medshield is committed to extending its corporate responsibility beyond its members. The Scheme supports community health initiatives, wellness programmes, and financial literacy education. Additionally, Medshield embeds ESG principles into its corporate culture – ensuring staff engagement and promoting awareness about lifestyle changes that contribute to improved health outcomes. Aspen Pharmacare, for instance, has significantly contributed to healthcare equity through community-based partnerships and access to essential medicines. Sanlam has also implemented financial literacy initiatives nationwide to drive socioeconomic upliftment. Medshield is actively learning from and contributing to this ecosystem of shared value creation. 4. Governance: The pillar of corporate sustainability Strong governance ensures transparency, accountability, and long-term sustainability. Medshield prides itself on having a robust governance structure and is adopting best practices to strengthen its corporate governance. The Scheme is exploring partnerships with ESG-focused healthcare networks for ongoing improvement and intends to integrate ESG reporting into its annual trustee and Annual General Meeting (AGM) reports to strengthen transparency and accountability. Sanlam's comprehensive sustainability disclosures and Life Healthcare's transparent ESG frameworks offer useful templates for Medshield's ongoing governance enhancement. By drawing from these examples, Medshield aims to ensure that ESG isn't a side initiative but a core part of the Scheme's operation. Medshield is a responsible corporate citizen Medshield's ESG journey signifies its dedication to being a responsible corporate citizen. By embedding ESG principles into its business model, Medshield enhances its reputation and safeguards its operations against emerging global challenges. As one of the pioneers among South African medical schemes in undertaking a structured ESG journey, Medshield is setting a noteworthy precedent. Its approach emphasises long-term resilience, sustainability, and member-centric healthcare solutions. As Medshield refines its ESG initiatives, the greater healthcare sector benefits from a model prioritising people, the planet, and strong governance. ESG is not merely a trend – it is the future of responsible healthcare, and Medshield is at the forefront of this transformation in South Africa. We invite all members, brokers, and stakeholders to join us in shaping a more sustainable and inclusive healthcare future.
News24
30-06-2025
- Business
- News24
Affordable medical aid drives Medshield's membership growth
Medshield Medical Scheme recently held its 56th Annual General Meeting (AGM), where principal officer Kevin Aron highlighted the Scheme's impressive performance. Despite a challenging economic environment, Medshield has maintained a healthy solvency ratio and strong credit rating. Even in a stagnant market, Medshield ensured affordability without compromising quality of care, and kept its 2024 contributions low while increasing member benefits. This resulted in a 2,57% rise in membership as at 31 December 2024. Living up to its commitment to be 'Your Partner for Life', Medshield has many members who have been with the Scheme for more than 18 years, knowing it has their best interests at heart. Medshield has proven to be a stable organisation with a diverse menu of member-centric benefit plans to cover members' needs as they navigate life. First, there is no guarantee that your health will always be good enough to cover your medical expenses out of pocket. Second, medical aid should never be a complicated, grudge purchase. It's the reason Medshield makes it easy for you by offering a benefit plan tailored for every stage of your life: In your 20s: MediCurve is ideal for young, healthy, tech-savvy, first-time medical-aid buyers. This affordable plan enables young adults to acquire healthcare cover without putting any financial strain on their day-to-day lives. MediCurve offers in-hospital and out-of-hospital benefits, including free, unlimited virtual family practitioner consultations through its Medshield SmartCare benefit. MediPhila aims to protect young families against unforeseen medical costs through unlimited hospital cover for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) conditions. There are also beneficiary limits for non-PMB in-hospital treatments and an out-of-hospital benefit limit for specific services. In your 30s: MediValue is the ideal option for individuals needing unlimited hospital and day-to-day partial cover. This option is available in both the Prime and Compact categories. The benefits are the same, but the Compact category mandates the use of Medshield Provider Networks for a smaller contribution. MediSaver is perfect for independent individuals who want to manage their out-of-hospital healthcare expenses through a personal savings account with unlimited hospital cover. Reaching your 40s and beyond: MediPlus is the answer for middle- to upper-income earners. It offers unlimited in-hospital coverage and a generous day-to-day limit. This option is available in the Prime and Compact categories. Both benefits are the same but, in return for a smaller contribution, the Compact category mandates the use of Medshield Provider Networks. MediBonus is the best choice for corporate employees and individuals who need comprehensive unlimited in-hospital cover and extensive day-to-day benefits. PremiumPlus provides the most comprehensive cover with freedom of choice, including no network restrictions, 200% cover for specific in-hospital procedures, and a personal savings account to manage your daily healthcare. At any stage: MediCore: Perhaps you're not one to visit the doctor for routine checks, but at the very least everyone should have unlimited in-hospital cover in case of major medical emergencies. MediCore is a hospital plan for those who require unlimited hospital cover with full PMB cover. Certain in-hospital procedures are paid for at a higher rate (Medshield Private Tariff 200%). Medshield continues to innovate and improve its services, ensuring alignment with international best practice as evidenced by their International Organisation of Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 accreditation—demonstrating their commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The Scheme prioritises having the right capabilities and competencies to provide the highest-quality customer service. Medshield embraces innovation that fosters closer relationships with members. The launch of a new member app at the end of 2024 enhanced access to information and communication. 'Innovation is at the heart of Medshield. Our member app saw a 12,5% increase in downloads and a 35,6% boost in utilisation, making healthcare management more efficient than ever,' said Kevin Aron, Medshield's Principal Officer. In addition to the member app, the Scheme offers many other self-service touch points including their WhatsApp service line, the website member log-in zone and their Let's Meet virtual Microsoft Teams meeting solution. For members who prefer in-person service, the Scheme continues to offer in-person visits to regional offices and telephone interactions through their state-of-the-art contact centre. No matter what life stage you're at, Medshield has a tailored and affordable benefit package for you. Visit Medshield's Medical Scheme's website for more information about its benefit plans.
TimesLIVE
30-06-2025
- Business
- TimesLIVE
Affordable cover, more benefits, no hassle: Medshield membership rises
Medshield Medical Scheme recently held its 56th AGM where principal officer Kevin Aron highlighted the scheme's impressive performance for the financial year ending December 31 2024. Despite a challenging economic environment, Medshield has maintained a healthy solvency ratio and strong credit rating. This demonstrates the scheme's ability to meet its obligations and ensure long-term stability and sustainability for its members. Even in a stagnant market, Medshield ensured affordability without compromising quality of care, and kept its 2024 contributions low while increasing member benefits. This resulted in a 2.57% rise in membership in 2024. Living up to its commitment to be 'Your Partner for Life', Medshield has many members who have been with the scheme for more than 18 years, knowing it has their best interests at heart. Member-centric benefit plans for every stage of life First, there is no guarantee that your health will always be good enough to cover your medical expenses out of pocket. Second, medical aid should never be a complicated, grudge purchase. That's the reason Medshield makes it easy for you by offering a benefit plan tailored for every stage of your life: In your 20s: MediCurve is ideal for young, healthy, tech-savvy, first-time medical-aid buyers. This affordable plan enables young adults to acquire healthcare cover without putting any financial strain on their day-to-day lives. MediCurve offers in-hospital and out-of-hospital benefits, including free, unlimited virtual family practitioner consultations through its Medshield SmartCare benefit. MediPhila aims to protect young families against unforeseen medical costs through unlimited hospital cover for Prescribed Minimum Benefits (PMB) conditions. There are also beneficiary limits for non-PMB in-hospital treatments and an out-of-hospital benefit limit for specific services. In your 30s: MediValue is the ideal option for individuals needing unlimited hospital and day-to-day partial cover. This option is available in both the Prime and Compact categories. The benefits are the same, but the Compact category mandates the use of Medshield Provider Networks for a smaller contribution. MediSaver is perfect for independent individuals who want to manage their out-of-hospital healthcare expenses through a personal savings account with unlimited hospital cover. Reaching your 40s and beyond: MediPlus is the answer for middle- to upper-income earners. It offers unlimited in-hospital coverage and a generous day-to-day limit. This option is available in the Prime and Compact categories. Both benefits are the same but, in return for a smaller contribution, the Compact category mandates the use of Medshield Provider Networks. MediBonus is the best choice for corporate employees and individuals who need comprehensive unlimited in-hospital cover and extensive day-to-day benefits. PremiumPlus provides the most comprehensive cover with freedom of choice, including no network restrictions, 200% cover for specific in-hospital procedures, and a personal savings account to manage your daily healthcare. At any stage: MediCore: Perhaps you're not one to visit the doctor for routine checks, but at the very least everyone should have unlimited in-hospital cover in case of major medical emergencies. MediCore is a hospital plan for those who require unlimited hospital cover with full PMB cover. Certain in-hospital procedures are paid for at a higher rate (Medshield Private Tariff 200%). 'No hassle' service excellence Medshield continues to innovate and improve its services, ensuring alignment with international best practice as evidenced by the scheme's International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) 9001:2015 accreditation. This demonstrates its commitment to quality and customer satisfaction. The scheme prioritises having the right capabilities and competencies to provide the highest quality customer service. Medshield embraces innovation that fosters closer relationships with members. The launch of a new member app at the end of 2024 enhanced access to information and communication. 'Innovation is at the heart of Medshield. Our member app saw a 12.5% increase in downloads and a 35.6% boost in utilisation, making healthcare management more efficient than ever,' says Aron. In addition to the member app, the scheme offers many other self-service touch points including its WhatsApp service line, the website member log-in zone and its Let's Meet virtual Microsoft Teams meeting solution. For members who prefer in-person service, the scheme continues to offer in-person visits to regional offices and telephone interactions through its state-of-the-art contact centre.
Zawya
24-06-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Going green in healthcare: Medshield's Kevin Aron explains why medical schemes must lead the way?
When you think about what drives healthcare costs, you might picture hospital stays, chronic illness, or rising treatment expenses. But what if one of the most significant emerging risks to your health – and your medical aid's sustainability – is the environment? From the air we breathe to the waste we generate, environmental conditions shape healthcare outcomes and costs. As pollution increases and climate-linked diseases become more common, environmental health is no longer a parallel concern. It is a healthcare issue and a strategic imperative. What sparked our environmental, social, and governance (ESG) focus? Environmental sustainability enhances operational efficiency, mitigates climate risks, and strengthens brand trust. More importantly, it's becoming a stakeholder expectation. Employees, partners, and members increasingly ask how healthcare organisations contribute to a cleaner, healthier future. At Medshield Medical Scheme, we recognise that environmental degradation, from air pollution to extreme weather, contributes directly to higher healthcare burdens. Our sustainability initiatives align with our core mandate: protecting public health. These efforts also reduce costs in the long term, making care more accessible and affordable. Medshield is embedding environmental sustainability into its operations, not as a 'nice to have', but as part of a long-term strategy to protect member health and scheme viability. Our leadership started asking the question: Why aren't we doing more? It sparked a conversation across the organisation, and what followed was a formal commitment to ESG, now embedded in our strategic roadmap. While Medshield is not subject to environmental compliance regulations (given our office-based, non-clinical footprint), we've made the proactive choice to lead responsibly. Reducing our footprint through digitalisation The shift to digital communication is one of our most immediate and high-impact sustainability actions. Member statements, brochures, scheme rules, and wellness content are no longer printed en masse. Instead, they are delivered through email, SMS links, QR codes, and digital platforms. WhatsApp and LinkedIn are utilised as additional channels to reach members and member groups, including those in the mining and industrial sectors, with tailored messaging and support. This initiative supports both environmental and operational goals: - Reduces the use of paper, plastic, and ink; - Lowers administrative costs; - Minimises logistics and distribution emissions; - Enhances accessibility, especially for remote or mobile-first members. Internally, our teams are encouraged to avoid printing and instead use digital devices for document access. Going digital is a technical upgrade and a behaviour change campaign we are rolling out across departments. Sharing knowledge about sustainability with our stakeholders is a key part of our strategy, and we are spreading awareness of how individual actions contribute to collective health through internal newsletters, broker and provider updates, and digital wellness campaigns. Led by our Facilities and Health and Safety divisions, Medshield is currently developing an environmental management plan (EMP) to formalise our approach. This plan will guide risk assessments, eco-friendly office practices, and future improvements. Initial actions include: - Placing sustainability notices across offices; - Implementing waste segregation bins; - Reducing electricity and water usage; - Identifying and mitigating environmental risks in the workplace. While still in the early stages, the EMP reflects a long-term vision for environmental resilience. We're also exploring environmental clauses in our service provider contracts, similar to B-BBEE requirements. These would mandate eco-friendly practices and ensure alignment with Medshield's sustainability values. Over time, we aim to make environmental responsibility a shared priority across our entire value chain. Environmental health should be a shared responsibility between medical schemes and provider networks. The ultimate goal is to reduce disease burdens, improve community health, and lower claim volumes – benefits that indirectly calculates to the sustainability of a scheme. Measuring what matters Actual ESG progress requires measurability. While our current initiatives are in the early stages, we are building systems to track and report impact. Our print budget is being deliberately reduced to limit physical paper use; annual reports will include basic environmental performance data, and staff incentives and awareness campaigns will drive further improvement. Even simple tracking reflects tangible progress, such as reduced toner orders, lower paper procurement, or fewer courier costs. We are moving steadily toward a culture of data-driven accountability. Environmental sustainability is no longer an add-on for healthcare. It's a core component of value-based care. Medshield's commitment is clear: we're transforming how we operate, engage, and lead – not because we must, but because it is the right thing to do. As we continue our ESG journey, we remain guided by purpose, backed by leadership, and driven by impact. A healthier environment means healthier members and a future worth investing in.
