Media Archive 2014

2014 GEMS Annual Symposium ›

The seventh Annual GEMS Symposium took place from 11 to 12 September 2014 at the Durban International Convention Centre. The line-up included expert speakers and panelists, as well as a full agenda of exciting and engaging sessions. 
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Chronic medical conditions need to be carefully managed›

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), the second largest medical scheme in South Africa, recently released a list of what it calls its ‘top 10 chronic medical conditions'. These are the 10 diseases that cost the Scheme the most in terms of medicines expenditure in 2013. Read full article ›

Diseases of lifestyle pose a considerable threat to the development of South Africa›

Unhealthy lifestyles and poor diets are making more and more South Africans ill, and it is a problem that requires urgent addressing if we are to prevent it from undermining the development and sustainability of the country. Read full article ›

Diseases of lifestyle a growing global epidemic›

Non-communicable diseases - non-infectious medical conditions such as diabetes and heart disease - are a "growing global epidemic", and will have a negative impact on the development of countries such as South Africa if they are not urgently addressed. Read full article ›

Every GEMS member matters: A tale of two dads›

At GEMS, our philosophy is that every member matters. Like Johan Hendriks* and his partner, James,* of Somerset West, who have been GEMS members for six years now. Read full article ›

Five kilometres in the name of freedom›

It will be GEMS, GEMS everywhere during the Constitution Hill five-kilometre Human Rights Walk this coming Saturday as hundreds take to the streets of Johannesburg in the name of human rights and freedom. Read full article ›

Primary healthcare ignored in SA for far too long›

It was a day of active debate at the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) Symposium in KwaZulu-Natal yesterday when the medical scheme, representatives from a major healthcare provider organisation and the Department of Health (DoH) participated in a think tank that is set to bring primary healthcare service providers to greater prominence in South Africa.
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Government Employees Medical Scheme rated on par with SARS›

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS), officially launched in January 2006, is an underrated state-owned centre of excellence on a par with SARS (SA Revenue Services), according to a case study released this week. Read full article ›

Add your voice to the fight medical scheme abuse›

Have you ever considered the impact of fraud on your pocket? Fraud has gained a tremendous foothold in the private healthcare industry and is costing medical schemes and their members dearly. Read full article ›

Empowering South Africans to improve their livelihoods›

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) recently partnered with the Department of Agriculture to provide one emerging farmer in Folweni, KwaZulu Natal, with the opportunity to learn new skills that will ultimately help reduce poverty, empower community members and contribute to job creation. Read full article ›

GEMS a key BEE driver in medical schemes industry›

The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has, since its inception, impacted meaningfully on black economic empowerment (BEE) and transformation across the industry. This is according to a case study into the Scheme's impact on the funded healthcare sector. Read full article ›

The spirit of "Ubuntu" runs deep at SA's second largest medical scheme›

As part of its ongoing quest to contribute towards the social upliftment of South Africa and its people the staff and management of the Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) has taken KwaZulu-Natal based non-profit organisation, Abalindi Welfare Society, under its wing. Read full article ›