Managing HIV

GEMS has an effective HIV/AIDS Disease Management Programme (DMP) for our members. If you or one of your dependants is living with HIV/AIDS, registering on the HIV/AIDS DMP can give you the support you need to lead a healthy and productive life.

Confidentiality guaranteed

If you or your dependants are HIV positive and decide to join the programme, special care is taken to maintain your confidentiality. This programme is managed by a team of healthcare professionals separately from other Scheme programmes and the employer. The HIV/AIDS DMP has its own confidential contact channels, which are:

• Telephone: 0860 4367 36
• Send a 'please call me' to: 083 843 6764
• Fax: 0800 4367 32
• Email: [email protected]  

What benefits are available?

If you register on the HIV/AIDS DMP, you will have access to the following benefits:

• Medicine to treat HIV/AIDS (antiretroviral therapy)
• Medicine to treat and prevent opportunistic infections related to HIV/AIDS, including multi-vitamins where appropriate (a doctor's prescription and pre-authorisation is required for all medicines, including multi-vitamins)
• All pathology tests related to monitoring the disease
• Regular monitoring of your condition to ensure you start treatment at the right time and that it is effective
• Clinical support and guidelines for treating doctors
• Access to a specially trained medical team who will review your details and consult with your doctor to ensure that you receive the most appropriate treatment for your condition
• Reminders for you and your doctor to do regular check-ups and tests to monitor the state of your health and update your treatment where necessary
• Treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus from mother to child (including treatment for the baby)
• Treatment to prevent the transmission of the virus from accidental exposure to infected bodily fluids (sexual assault, needle stick injury).

Accidental exposure?

Please call 0860 436 736 if you have had accidental exposure to HIV so that appropriate treatment (called Post-exposure Prophylaxis) can be arranged.

How do you register on the HIV/AIDS DMP?

Step 1: If you do not know your HIV status, ask your doctor or clinic to test you. GEMS will pay for this test and the doctor will be informed of the results.

Step 2: If you are HIV positive, download the application form.  You can also obtain one by calling 0860 4367 36 using the "please call me number" 083 843 6764 from Monday to Friday between 8am and 5pm and Saturday from 8am to 12pm or sending an email to [email protected].

Step 3: Visit your treating doctor who must examine you and complete your application form. You will need to sign the application form and submit it to GEMS.

Step 4: Fax your completed form to the confidential toll free fax number 0800 4367 329 or email your completed form to [email protected].

Step 5: We will contact you to discuss the outcome of your application.

HIV Disease Management Programme (DMP) guides

Living well with HIV/AIDS
What is HIV/AIDS?
HIV counselling and testing (HCT)

Need more information?

For more information about the programme, call 0860 436 736 or send a "Please Call Me" to 083 843 6764.