Banking sector partners with Department of Health to offer women’s health benefits to its members

South African women face a triple health risk burden with regards to a high prevalence of HIV, high maternal and infant mortality rates, and an increasing incidence of female related cancers – particularly cervical cancer. As a result, the South African banking sector is partnering with the Department of Health and Metropolitan Health, a leading healthcare company managing health benefits for more than three million South Africans, to address these health risks faced by women.

Bankmed, a leading medical scheme for the banking industry, has agreed to fund the following preventative care benefits (which are in line with the Department of Health women’s health initiatives):

• Pap smear screenings
• Annual mammograms for females 40 years and older
• HPV vaccinations for females aged nine – 16 years
• Antenatal screening; including HIV testing of pregnant women
• Maternity programme benefits
• Prevention of mother-to-child HIV transmission benefits

Metropolitan Health, Bankmed’s medical scheme administrator, will be responsible for the various treatment programmes – such as the oncology, maternity and HIV programmes – to ensure the preventative interventions are implemented.

South Africa has 5743 new cases of cervical cancer a year and 3027 annual deaths from the disease. It is estimated that 16.84 million South African women over the age of 15 are at risk of cervical cancer. Cervical cancer is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), which is transmitted through genital skin contact during sexual activity. “Cervical cancer is the most common cause of cancer-related death in Southern Africa – yet it is entirely preventable through regular screenings and early immunisation if women are vaccinated before becoming sexually active,” says Siraaj Adams from Metropolitan Health.

Teddy Mosomothane, CEO and Principal Officer of Bankmed, says: “Ultimately, we want our members to be well. The Bankmed 2015 benefits have placed extensive focus on the Wellness and Preventative Care offering, encouraging members to undergo regular screening – which is covered by the insured pool. We encourage employer groups and members to participate in wellness and preventative care initiatives, and use these benefits to make sure that illness does not take them by surprise.”