08/10/2026
We really need to have an honest conversation about medical aid and patient care.
As a healthcare practitioner, I have heard from patients on numerous occasions about unexpected co-payments, maternity costs not fully covered, chronic medication challenges, difficulties with claims, and even hospital admission concerns despite patients believing that their chosen doctor, hospital and benefit plan were appropriate.
This cannot simply be reduced to patients not understanding their medical aid benefits. Patients pay substantial amounts for healthcare cover because they expect access to appropriate, timely and safe care when they need it.
In emergencies, the priority must always be the patientโs safety and stabilisation, with appropriate arrangements made thereafter for ongoing care.
There needs to be greater transparency, accountability and meaningful investigation into recurring patient experiences. A healthcare financing system should never leave patients feeling vulnerable or uncertain about whether they will actually receive the care they believed they were covered for.
Patients deserve clarity. Patients deserve dignity. Most importantly, patients deserve safe care.
MarangPractice HopeHeals