South Africa: Reforming Prescribed Minimum Benefits Is the First Step to Affordable Medical Cover
[spotlight] With plans in motion to roll out universal health coverage in South Africa, Dr Katlego Mothudi, of the Board of Healthcare Funders, argues that revising the compulsory prescribed minimum benefits that medical schemes must provide can be a tool to deliver meaningful improvements today while laying the foundations for a more sustainable healthcare system tomorrow.
South Africa's pursuit of universal health coverage hinges on reforming the compulsory prescribed minimum benefits (PMBs) that medical schemes must offer, according to Dr Katlego Mothudi of the Board of Healthcare Funders. PMBs currently account for roughly 60% of a scheme's budget before other benefits, making them a significant driver of medical scheme costs.
With the PMB review process having stalled for over two decades, the existing framework no longer aligns with South Africa's changing healthcare needs and disease burden. Redesigning the PMB list using current clinical evidence could significantly reduce the cost of medical scheme cover, making it more affordable for millions of South Africans.
This reform could also expand access to preventative care and early detection, which are more cost-effective in the long run. The Board of Healthcare Funders is exploring a Core Service Package as a practical step towards achieving universal health coverage, emphasizing essential health services and preventive care.
Written by urgent.news from AllAfrica Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
