March 2016 News Archive

New medical aid subsidy for government employees - March 2016

During February 2016, the Minister for the Public Service and Administration determined that the employer subsidy for GEMS members be adjusted with the average Medical Price Index (MPI) with effect from 1 January 2016. Read more>

Health: A shot in the arm

The attempt to curb obesity prevailed in the budget as Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan introduced a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages. Read more>

NHI funding details absent from budget speech

Finance Minister Pravin Gordhan's budget speech did not shed light on how the government will fund its National Health Insurance (NHI) scheme, but he did commit to releasing more details "shortly". Read more>

Public Servants and NHI: Subsidy scrap looms

Government's plan to scrap state workers' medical scheme benefits has set it on a collision course with unions. Read more>

Universal Healthcare: How others do it

GIVING citizens access to healthcare without enduring financial hardship is known as "universal healthcare". Read more>

Deterrent likely to be met by bitter opposition

The Treasury has made good on Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi's threats to introduce a tax on sugar-sweetened beverages, saying yesterday that it planned to impose the levy next April. Read more>

Invitation to participate: GEMS Advisory Panels of Experts

GEMS seeks to establish the following panels of suitably qualified and experienced service providers for each of the following Expert Advisory services:

• Orthopaedic and Spinal Surgery
• Psychiatry
• Oncology and Biologics*

Kindly note: Each expert advisory panel will consist of three members, with the exception of Oncology and Biologics Experts, as this Advisory Panel is already established and GEMS only seeks one candidate for this panel.

View invitation advert here >