Powering progress in private healthcare funding

Industry leader calls for ethical, harmonised healthcare system

Ahead of the Board of Healthcare Funders (BHF) conference in Cape Town, Universal Healthcare is championing a proactive approach to private healthcare funding, urging the industry to embrace future technologies, including the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI) to shape a more effective and equitable system.

"South Africa's private healthcare funding industry has a history of innovation and progressive thinking, and there is a strong drive among certain industry players towards moving the dial internationally as well," comments Dr Johan Pretorius, Founder and Executive Chairman of the Universal Healthcare Group.

Dr Johan Pretorius

"By strategically investing in future technologies, including AI, we can unlock unprecedented access to care. Universal Healthcare is working to leverage learnings from our global ventures and collaborating to drive innovation here and abroad,” he adds.

Aligning with the 2025 BHF conference theme, Universal Healthcare emphasises that strong, synergistic partnerships are critical to transforming the future of healthcare. “Collaboration is essential for delivering greater value to private healthcare consumers, particularly as the industry navigates the complexities of the proposed National Health Insurance plan.

"We must be proactive in shaping the future of private healthcare. By committing to working together through a tech-enabled approach, we can create a system that exceeds expectations and benefits many more lives," suggests Dr Pretorius.

He further encourages industry stakeholders to actively seek partnerships to drive positive change in healthcare. "The future of healthcare will be built by those who anticipate the challenges ahead, embrace innovation, and think differently. We must actively come together to break down silos and unite diverse expertise – that is how we will meet the pressing needs of today while setting ambitious new standards for patient-centred care, affordability, and equitable accessibility," notes Dr Pretorius.

Driven by a mission to improve healthcare, Universal Healthcare safeguards over 10.6 million lives globally and serves the needs of 30+ health insurance plans locally. The company is committed to pioneering better, faster, smarter, and more seamless healthcare solutions while advocating for a fundamental shift in how healthcare is approached and managed.

"We're empowering our clients to lead the way in digital transformation, seamlessly integrating technology with streamlined administration and healthcare expertise. Staying ahead demands vision, innovation, and a partner who dares to challenge convention. At Universal, we set the pace, crafting strategies that redefine what's possible," he adds.

Universal’s commitment to integrated healthcare management has propelled it to the forefront of the healthcare industry. Strategic technology deployment has improved patient outcomes and achieved sustainable cost reductions, forging lasting and equitable healthcare models. The responsible use of AI is crucial in this advancement.

The Universal Group offers a range of services designed to support this vision, including:

• mediBucks: Payment solutions to streamline transactions and optimise financial benefits for providers and patients.
• Universal Corporate Wellness: Health and wellness initiatives designed to promote preventative care and improve employee wellbeing, reducing healthcare costs for businesses.
• uConsultTM and uChat: Telemedicine solutions that expand access to healthcare services, particularly for those in remote or underserved areas.
• Actuarial services: Data-driven insights to inform decision-making and enable more effective resource allocation within healthcare organisations.

"We recognise the transformative potential of AI in healthcare, but we must wield this powerful tool responsibly. We must establish frameworks that protect patients and populations globally.

“African policymakers must act urgently to create a harmonised regulatory framework, safeguarding data assets and promoting the wellbeing of all citizens. Healthcare is at a pivotal crossroads, and the time to lead this transformation is now. Let's think differently, embrace innovation, and focus on outcomes – together, we can achieve a monumental, lasting impact," concludes Dr Pretorius.