Pretoria – 1 October 2024 – The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) concluded its 2024 Annual Symposium under the theme, “Innovate, Integrate, Accelerate: A Universal Health Coverage Commitment.” The Symposium brought together thought leaders from healthcare, policy, and technology sectors, all united in their mission to address the barriers to healthcare access and accelerate South Africa’s progress toward Universal Health Coverage (UHC).
When setting the scene for the Symposium, Dr Nomzamo Tutu, the Chairperson of the GEMS Board stressed the importance of focussing on eliminating barriers to accessing health and thereby enhancing access to essential health services.
The Honourable Minister of Public Service and Administration, Inkosi Mzamo Buthelezi, also delivered an impassioned address, highlighting the NHI Act as a transformative milestone in addressing healthcare inequity. “This policy change, which is now law, brings us closer to our collective ambition of securing a future where we equally have access to health care services regardless of our socio-economic status. By closing the divide between the haves and the have-nots, we’re not simply merging two systems, but we’re striving to build a better and more equitable system that truly lives up to the ideals set out in our Constitution,” Minister Buthelezi said.
Dr Stan Moloabi, Principal Officer of GEMS, reaffirmed the Scheme’s commitment to leading the charge in healthcare transformation. He further stated that “the signing of the NHI Act is a critical step in transforming the country’s healthcare system, taking us closer to achieving Universal Health Coverage. Our goal is clear: access to healthcare must be based on need, not financial status. While challenges remain, we are committed to finding solutions as we always do as South Africans.”
Throughout the event, discussions focused on health promotion, disease prevention, and the transformative role of technology in reshaping healthcare delivery. GEMS reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all South Africans, irrespective of financial status, can access quality healthcare. In alignment with the ideals of the National Health Insurance (NHI) Act, GEMS is positioned to support the realisation of equitable healthcare.
Central to the discussions was the importance of public-private partnerships. Collaboration between the government and private healthcare sectors is essential to bridging the healthcare divide, ensuring that UHC becomes a reality rather than an aspiration. GEMS is determined to strengthen these partnerships to create a more integrated healthcare system that benefits all South Africans.
In her keynote address, Professor Precious Matsoso, Co-Chair of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Body at the World Health Organization, called for greater collaboration across sectors to overcome healthcare access challenges. She noted, “Health systems require more resources during economic downturns, not fewer. It is crucial that public revenue flows are predictable and do not impose an unfair burden on households. By doing so, we can prevent the long-lasting consequences of underfunding, which can hinder our collective health and economic well-being.” Professor Matsoso’s remarks reinforced the view that effective partnerships must transcend processes at national level, thus must involve provincial, district, and community actors in building a resilient healthcare system.
In conclusion, the Symposium underscored GEMS’ dedication to driving progress in the healthcare sector, with a focus on using innovation, forging stronger partnerships, and contributing towards ensuring that healthcare access becomes a reality for every South African.
About GEMS
GEMS is the largest restricted membership medical scheme in South Africa, with over 833 000 principal members and more than 2.3 million beneficiaries. GEMS was created specifically to provide healthcare cover for public service employees. Our purpose is derived from the GEMS mandate received from government in November 2004 to ensure that there is adequate provisioning of healthcare coverage to public service employees that is efficient, cost-effective and equitable; and to provide further options for those who wish to purchase more extensive cover. GEMS is an authorised Financial Services Provider (FSP No 52861).
For more information, visit www.gems.gov.za
For media inquiries, please contact:
Munene Khoza
082 990 1650
