The Federation of Unions of South Africa FEDUSA has called for accountability on how South Africas Government Employees Medical Scheme GEMS is run, in order to protect the schemes members.
This follows the revelation that it is facing mounting financial pressure after paying out R67 billion in claims in a single year, more than it collected in contributions.
Its not unusual for medical aids to run into deficits. Thats why the legislation provides for reserves that they must all hold, so that they dont go into bankruptcy. But I think the broader issue is just how GEMS is managed, and here the board of GEMS and the leadership should be held accountable to ensure that the scheme is run efficiently, and that its accountable to the members, says FEDUSAs Deputy General-Secretary, Ashley Benjamin.
