The future of medical aid in Africa depends on all stakeholders, including providers, facilities, members, and the Department of Health, being nimble and imaginative in adjusting to ever-changing requirements.
The approach to equipment procurement, medicine supply management (cost and fair access), networks, the utilisation of day surgeries and acute hospitals, and alternative reimbursement methods all need to be modified.
The increased use of technology (including health care technologies) and responsible data sharing are required so that lessons learned can be shared and we can act more quickly in the future when faced with uncertainties.
Partnerships between the public and private sectors will be critical in the future to ensure more equitable access for all Africans. That is, in order for us to survive as a global community, we must address the healthcare of the collective where we are able to.
To this end, we look at some critical trends and predictions across the healthcare landscape in Africa.
Surgeries
Rather than relying on surgery, alternative care procedures will become more prevalent. Treatment protocols such as neck and back rehabilitation, hip and knee replacements, and expectant C-sections will become more common.
Mothers may choose to take the natural approach. To reduce the possibility of infection, the usage of day hospitals and clinics shall be increased where practicable.
There has been a 60% decrease in hospital authorization requests. A recent study anticipated that an estimated 28.4 million elective procedures will be cancelled during the 12 weeks of peak disruption (longer in South Africa) caused by the global epidemic. Other industry players have had a similar experience.
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Comorbidities
People who have two or more diseases at the same time, or one straight after the other, are at a higher risk of becoming extremely unwell in the future, according to healthcare practitioners. People who have other chronic diseases or comorbidities are more likely to suffer mental illness. It is critical to treat the patient as a whole.
Depression
Depression, which has historically been on the rise, will continue to rise in the future. Isolation and social alienation, financial problems, loss of lives/friends/family members/healthcare workers, and the impact on children and the elderly are all factors.
Medicine compliance
It is now well accepted that a high-risk patient must adhere to a medication regimen in order to keep their health – and lifestyle disease – as steady as possible.
From a disease management standpoint, the increased medicine adherence has been gratifying, demonstrating that medical aid members are embracing these self-management activities and taking responsibility of their health.
GP visits
The primary care physician (GP) is at the centre of the virtual care model, which connects with care coordination activities, ensuring members receive the appropriate degree of care and support in managing their diseases.
It provides users with access to a virtual nurse, advice in an emergency, auxiliary and home-based care, and full support for any ailment or event. It has been utilised for a number of purposes, including general health issues, medication updates, and mental health consultations.
Medical aid schemes also encourage patients to maintain positive ties with their physicians because continuity of care is critical in patient-provider partnerships.