Aspen takes a seat as medical schemes confront what members can still afford
The pharmaceutical manufacturer says its executive Stavros Nicolaou took part in the Health Funders Association symposium where the sector's first State of Medical Schemes Report was launched.
Aspen Pharmacare says it took part in the Health Funders Association’s annual symposium, held in early September, where the funders’ body launched its first State of Medical Schemes Report.
The company named Stavros as its representative at the event in an announcement published on its own website (https://www.aspenpharma.com/aspen-contributes-to-national-conversation-on-the-future-of-medical-schemes). Aspen describes itself in the same announcement as one of Africa’s leading pharmaceutical manufacturers.
The symposium, which Aspen says brought together leaders and experts from across South African healthcare, weighed rising medical costs against what members can afford and the question of extending financial protection to more South Africans.
Aspen’s account of the discussion also points to where scheme money goes when health fails unexpectedly: neonatal and emergency care, cancer treatment, long hospital admissions and high-cost medicines.
According to Aspen, the report launched at the symposium sets out new data, sector perspectives and actuarial modelling on reforms including risk equalisation and mandatory medical scheme cover. The company says the report also identifies regulatory and funding reforms that could reduce member contribution costs and widen access to primary healthcare.
The manufacturer ties the debate to its own interests. Aspen says the themes match its stated purpose of improving patients’ health and quality of life, and that the discussions reinforced the case for sustainable funding models, responsible pricing, investment in local manufacturing capacity and closer work between the public and private sectors.
Aspen has not said what, if anything, it will propose to government or to the funders’ association following the symposium, and it announced no new product, investment or pricing decision in the statement.
