Key highlights from the AGM

On 22 May 2024, we conducted our 55th Annual General Meeting as a virtual event. We were encouraged by the robust participation of 87 members, representatives from the Council of Medical Schemes, service providers, and consultants. It was an honour to also welcome several of our esteemed former Alternate Trustees, Trustees, and Chairmen to the meeting.

In her inaugural AGM as AMS' Principal Officer, Julia le Roux introduced the newly elected Board of Trustees, emphasising their collective 94 years of remarkable experience in member services. The Chairman, Dr Fox shared key highlights from the Annual Report, focusing on the Scheme's performance in 2023. Dr Fox also reported that the president signed the NHI bill into law on 15 May 2024 and noted that the NHI Act and its regulations are still awaiting promulgation. He reassured members that, given the potential for legal challenges and a lengthy implementation process, Scheme business and operations will continue as usual. The Board is vigilantly monitoring the NHI's progress and is committed to keeping members informed of any further developments. Marius Jacobs, Deputy General Manager of Discovery InHouse Schemes, highlighted the 2023 Annual Report's key points. He offered insights into the new International Financial Reporting Standard, IFRS 17, and detailed how our financial reporting has transformed post-implementation. Despite the report's altered appearance, he assured members that the Scheme's performance and reserve management remain consistent. The meeting adopted the 2023 Annual Report.

The Chairman confirmed the Scheme's receipt of an unqualified audit, and PWC was reappointed as the Scheme's auditor by the meeting. Members elected Philip Laubscher, Renita Naicker, and Bongani Bhengu to the Disputes Committee for the next year. The Chairman then reported on the Trustee fees for the forthcoming year.

The Principal Officer reported on the Scheme's operations. She highlighted the Scheme's successful service delivery and high member satisfaction, reassuring members of the Scheme's unwavering commitment to a member-centric approach. She illustrated the Scheme's support for its members by citing the top three highest claims paid out for individual members.

These included a claim of R4.6 million for a coronary bypass, and two claims of R3.39 million and R3.36 million, respectively, both for septicaemia cases, and informed members that the total payout for the top ten highest claims by the Scheme amounted to R26.37 million.

The Principal Officer also announced the upcoming retirement of Sanjay Omnath, who has served as the Client Liaison Officer for the Gauteng region for over 15 years. She expressed her gratitude for his unwavering dedication and exceptional customer service to the members of AMS and wished him well for his retirement.

In closing, the Chairman affirmed that the Board prioritises decisions aimed at the long-term enhancement of the health and wellbeing of all our members.

Published June 2024