The South African Police Service Medical Scheme (POLMED) has reaffirmed its commitment to providing affordable, accessible and sustainable healthcare for members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) and their dependants following its participation in a leading healthcare conference in Cape Town.
As South Africa’s healthcare sector navigates economic pressure and rapid change, POLMED is sharpening its focus on keeping healthcare affordable and accessible for SAPS members and their dependants.
The POLMED Board of Trustees, together with Acting Principal Officer Mr Marinus Pretorius, participated in the 25th Annual Board of Healthcare Funders Conference held from 4 to 8 July 2026 at the Cape Town International Convention Centre.
Under the theme “Facing Headwinds: Thriving in the Unknown,” the conference brought together healthcare leaders, policymakers, regulators, clinicians and industry experts from across Southern Africa.
“The conference theme closely reflects the environment in which the healthcare sector currently operates,” POLMED said. “Medical schemes continue to navigate increasing regulatory expectations, economic pressures, rapid technological advancement and evolving member needs. In a world characterised by volatility, uncertainty, complexity and ambiguity, organisations must remain resilient, adaptable and forward-looking.”
For POLMED, the conversations in Cape Town centered on what those headwinds mean at member level.
Delegates discussed financial sustainability to protect benefits, the growing role of Artificial Intelligence and clinical innovation to improve diagnosis and care, and tighter measures to prevent fraud, waste and abuse.
Cybersecurity and collaboration across the healthcare ecosystem were also key, with emphasis on protecting member information and improving patient outcomes.
“POLMED is no exception and continues to strengthen its ability to respond to these challenges while remaining focused on providing sustainable, quality healthcare for its members and their dependants,” the Scheme said. “Participation in forums such as the BHF Annual Conference provides valuable opportunities for industry leaders to collaborate, exchange knowledge and identify innovative approaches that strengthen healthcare systems while ensuring members continue to receive quality, affordable healthcare.”
Looking ahead, POLMED said the insights from the conference will directly inform its next steps.
“The knowledge and insights gained throughout the conference will help inform strategic discussions, strengthen governance and decision making, contribute to future benefit design strategies, and support the Scheme’s continued efforts to provide accessible, affordable and sustainable healthcare solutions for members and their dependants.”
In a sector facing headwinds, POLMED’s message from BHF 2026 is that member stability starts with strong governance and innovation in the boardroom.
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