Whilst the South African government has been heavily criticised by both the media and the public regarding the availability of a COVID-19 vaccine, the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) has been co-ordinating public-private sector collaborations aimed at ensuring that there is universal access to the COVID-19 vaccine. As a result, the vaccine has been included in the amended Prescribed Minimum Benefits regulations.
This amendment included the insertion of the Diagnosis and Treatment Pair in the list of Prescribed Minimum Benefits under the heading “Respiratory System” Treatment: screening, clinically appropriate diagnostic tests, vaccination, medication, medical management including hospitalisation and treatment of complications, and rehabilitation of Covid-19.
According to various media reports South African medical-insurance companies, business organisations and the government are also developing a programme in which the private sector will help fund Covid-19 vaccines for people not covered by insurance.
Click here to read more about comments from the medical insurers.
Click here to read a related Business Insider article.
Click here to download the CMS media release.
