Medshield is the Partner for Life you can trust with your health and your funds
Kevin Aron, Principal Officer at Medshield Medical Scheme
20 November 2024
JOHANNESBURG - Having a medical scheme you can rely on makes all the difference in how you can take care of your healthcare needs. Since 1968, Medshield has upheld a strong commitment to ethics, governance, and transparency. Unlike for-profit companies, we are a not-for-profit self-administered mutual organisation that focuses solely on providing value for our members since our members are indeed the owners of Medshield. Every decision and every allocation of funds is done with the member’s interests in mind, not bottom-line profits.
At Medshield, ethics and governance aren’t just words – they’re active practices. As a member, your contributions help provide the benefits you and others count on. We carefully manage these funds through a robust governance structure that aligns with the highest standards, including the King IV Report on Corporate Governance and South Africa’s Medical Schemes Act.
The Scheme’s Leadership team, Board Sub-Committees and Board of Trustees play a key role here, ensuring that funds are allocated responsibly and only for meeting member healthcare needs. They are committed to maximising value for members by avoiding any unnecessary costs. This careful, transparent approach gives you confidence that your contributions are well-managed.
Selecting trustees who lead with integrity
The Medshield trustees are chosen for their experience, skills, and integrity, which ensure they can make well-informed and ethical decisions. The Board is made up of trustees who are either elected by members during Annual General Meetings (AGMs) or appointed by the member-elected board to fill any skill gaps, like expertise in finance, healthcare, or technology.
But it doesn’t stop there. Medshield goes through a thorough a stringent vetting process to ensure trustees and the leadership team meet the highest standards. This includes checks on their qualifications, credit, security, public conduct, and social media activity. By ensuring they have the skills and ethical grounding needed, the Scheme is protected from any reputational risks and keeps the leadership accountable to the members.
The healthcare industry constantly evolves with new regulations, member needs, and technological advancements. To keep up, the management team and trustees receive ongoing training to ensure they stay well-informed. This training, often in partnership with groups like the Board of Healthcare Funders and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS), covers corporate governance principles, ethics, and fiduciary duties. Through these sessions, the leadership and trustees gain insights into the latest healthcare trends and risks, enabling them to make better, more informed decisions. This means they are always up to date with the best practices to manage your funds and sustain the Scheme. The Scheme also requires trustees to undergo mandatory training with the Institute of Directors South Africa (IODSA) on Governance of Ethics and other training courses related to Governance and Fiduciary responsibilities.
Conflict-free governance and member empowerment
Medshield keeps governance clean and transparent by avoiding conflicts of interest among staff, the management team and trustees. In terms of the Board, each trustee must declare any potential conflict before board meetings, ensuring that decisions are made without undue influence.
The CMS also supports this effort by enforcing rules and guidelines that protect Medshield’s independence. By being strict about avoiding conflicts of interest, the Scheme maintains high transparency and accountability, so members can rest assured that every action taken is aligned with ethical and responsible practices. The Principal Officer’s role advocates for members and is an additional layer of oversight, monitoring the Scheme’s operations to ensure everything aligns with governance standards and report directly to CMS when needed. This role adds an extra level of accountability, ensuring the Scheme always works in your best interest.
Members do not just rely on the Scheme’s governance – they are an active part of it and are always encouraged to engage directly by voting for trustees during AGMs and participating in decision-making initiatives. Medshield consistently keeps members updated on voting processes, meeting dates, and other critical information. By simplifying the governance processes and keeping members in the loop, we empower you to make informed decisions about your Scheme. Members participating actively strengthen the entire Scheme and help ensure it serves everyone reasonably and effectively.
A legacy of trust and responsible management
Medshield understands that choosing a medical scheme is about more than just benefits. It is about knowing your contributions are in safe hands, managed by a team that values ethics, responsibility, and transparency. Going above and beyond to make sure every decision supports your health and financial well-being so you can focus on what matters most – living your life with peace of mind.
Medshield has a long history of supporting South Africans and is not just here to meet your healthcare needs. We are here to provide you with the support, transparency, and the quality care you deserve. From member-focused governance to ongoing leadership and trustee training and ethical fund management, Medshield is a Partner for Life you can trust!
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