Selfmed puts ethics first by joining EthicSA

Selfmed Medical Scheme (Selfmed) today announced that they have become one of a growing list of South African businesses that have joined the Ethical Business Institute of South Africa (EthicSA). 

"Our relentless pursuit of service excellence is the major reason why we have joined the Ethical Institute of South Africa," says Bester.  "We pride ourselves on providing our members with quick, efficient and friendly service that goes beyond their expectations. As we see it, ethical business practices breed service excellence and instils a culture of simplicity, sincerity and security, as supported by Selfmeds value statement to its members. Through this a trust-relationship and member loyalty is created."

The Ethical Institute of South Africa is a not-for-profit organisation that promotes ethical business practices in the South African economy. By promoting ethical business practices, the organisation intends to assist South African businesses in becoming good corporate citizens through establishing an ethics policy, or code of ethics, and practicing it.

Ethical values play an increasingly important role in business today. The world over the healthcare industry regularly comes under the spotlight with regards to business ethics, as the concept of healthcare as a business is not very well understood by most people.  It is in an industry such as this that being known as an ethical company is a priceless distinguishing asset.

"Medical schemes are like all companies in that they do not operate in a vacuum but are part of a society which expects a certain standard of behaviour from them," says Marthie Bester, Marketing Director of Selfmed Medical Scheme (Selfmed).  "People expect employers to look after their employees, tell customers the truth and make sure that the people who make use of their products are treated fairly."

A 2003 IBE report found that, during 1997 to 2001, those companies with a code of ethics for at least five years financially outperformed a similar sized group without such a code.  A 2007 IBE report suggests that companies that provide training on business ethics outperform those that have a code but provide no training.

Subscribing to the ideals of business ethics therefore does not only tell consumers that you are a medical scheme that can be trusted, it also provides your employees with guidelines and, as a result, it increases workplace productivity and provides for responsive member service.

"Joining the Ethical Institute of South Africa simply underpins what we have been doing for many years now," says Bester.  "We have more than 40 years' worth of pursuing excellence through integrity in the medical schemes environment.  This is evident in our hugely loyal membership base and the significant steps we have taken to ensure excellent member service. In addition, our financial stability, supported by the scheme's solid reserve levels, is testimony of the fact that our members can trust us to be there when they need financial assistance in medical matters."