Health Funders Association Board welcomes new CEO
Thoneshan Naidoo
Innovation, collaboration and sustainability priorities for healthcare
The Board of Directors of the Health Funders Association (HFA) is pleased to announce that Thoneshan Naidoo, an experienced leader in the South African private healthcare industry, has commenced his new role as Chief Executive Officer of the HFA.
Chairperson of the HFA Board of Directors, Craig Comrie, welcomed Naidoo to the helm of the HFA, a professional body representing 21 medical schemes and four administrators, collectively covering 4.1 million lives, effective 1 October 2024.
“On behalf of the HFA, we are pleased to formally welcome Thoneshan on board at this critical juncture for South African healthcare and the industry in the role of Chief Executive Officer,” Comrie says.
Naidoo brings with him considerable industry insight and experience, with qualifications including an MBA from Unisa Graduate School of Business Leadership and a Master of Science (MSc) in Electrical Engineering from the University of Cape Town.
In his career to date, Naidoo has served in leadership roles, including Principal Officer at Medshield Medical Scheme and senior positions at Discovery Health and Healthforce, where he gained in-depth perspectives of the South African healthcare landscape and funding dynamics.
“Evolving regulations, technological advancements and increasing demands for more efficient and inclusive healthcare systems demand innovation in healthcare funding models, and fostering collaboration among all healthcare stakeholders,” Naidoo says.
“As CEO, I look forward to enhancing the value the HFA provides to medical schemes and our beneficiaries, promoting cost-effective solutions in healthcare funding while ensuring that the private healthcare sector remains competitive, responsive, and sustainable. Our collective strength and strategic direction can achieve meaningful and lasting change that raises the standard of healthcare for all.”
Working alongside a diverse range of professionals from clinical experts and actuaries to administrators, policymakers, and entrepreneurs, Naidoo is well-equipped to contribute towards South Africa's evolving healthcare landscape and build a future-focused vision for healthcare funding.
“One of the most pressing challenges we face is the rising cost of healthcare, which outpaces consumer inflation and threatens affordability and access for many South Africans. Additionally, regulatory uncertainty, particularly regarding the National Health Insurance [NHI] plan, hampers future investments that could help reduce healthcare costs.
“At this crucial time for healthcare, the health funding industry has much to contribute. We are at a pivotal point, where we need committed leadership and a strong industry representative body to advocate for its members on vital issues such as National Health Insurance [NHI], Prescribed Minimum Benefits [PMB] reviews, risk equalisation fund, among others.”
“We are fortunate to have a world-class private healthcare system with healthcare professionals who are among the best globally and are highly sought after internationally. By nurturing this national asset and unlocking its full potential through much-needed regulatory interventions, such as Low-Cost Benefit Options [LCBOs], embracing technological advancements like digital health and focusing on preventative care and wellness programmes, we can find innovative ways to enhance efficiency, reduce costs and improve the quality of care more inclusively,” he says.
“I believe medical schemes can play a significant role in building a cohesive and sustainable health sector that provides equitable, accessible, and affordable quality healthcare to all South Africans and that collaboration between the public and private sectors is critical to achieving this,” Naidoo concludes.
