Patients not getting value for money – inquiry
The Health Market Inquiry report has revealed
that while South Africans are paying more for medical healthcare they are
not receiving value for money.
The report, written by retired Chief Justice Sandile Ngcobo, was released in Sandton on Monday.
The inquiry was established by the Competition Commission five years ago.
It shows that three hospital groups dominated the hospital market, namely Netcare, Mediclinic and Life.
The commission’s Tembinkosi Bonekele says in most cases customers of private healthcare facilities don't know they are overpaying.
Bonekele says one of the recommendations to have a single medical plan across all medical aids, which cost the same and covers the same.
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"In most instances the consumer is not even aware that they are overpaying, so that complexity some of it is going to remain, but there is also a lot that can be done to simplify.”
“For example, we have proposed that there be a single plan that is available across all schemes that costs the same, that covers the same, so at least there could be some basic things that you know if you have a medical aid you are able to be covered for and at what price," he said.
Trade and Industry Minister Ebrahim Patel will present the report to Parliament.
Patel says the government will have to consider the findings carefully.
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