71
INTEGRATED REPORT 2017
AFROCENTRIC
HEALTH SOLUTIONS
Improving operational efficiency
while still pursuing opportunities for
organic
growth
and
geographical expansion
.
OVERVIEW
AfroCentric Health Solutions (“AHS”) is the international cluster
for Medscheme Holdings’ non-South African businesses and
interests, with operations in Namibia, Swaziland, Zimbabwe
and Mauritius. Our association with Swazimed unfortunately
came to an end. However, we are in the process of establishing
new business in Swaziland. The business also has presence
in Botswana and Kenya through partnerships with local
businesses, and is pursuing further growth and diversification
opportunities in the East Africa and West Africa regions. The
business thrust is coordinated healthcare delivery through an
integrated value chain, with the ultimate goal of increasing the
quality of care in these countries.
Each business in the respective countries is governed by
its own Board of Directors and managed by dedicated
management teams.
AHS businesses draw value from the AfroCentric Group
through shared services to drive operational efficiencies and
access to best practice as well as up-skilling opportunities from
centres of excellence within AfroCentric.
The international market, especially in developing economies,
provides AHS with opportunities for integration of the healthcare
value chain and flexibility in funding models.
The expertise in health insurance administration that resides
within AHS and the partnership with Sanlam position the
business for growth outside South Africa.
PERFORMANCE SUMMARY
• Anchor client in Namibia, Namibia Health Plan (“NHP”),
reached a record 30 000 principal members (“lives”)
• Signed up a new IT client in Malawi – Met Health. This
is the third IT client outside Medscheme-administered
schemes following Cimas Medical Aid Society and
First Mutual Life (“FML”) in Zimbabwe
STRATEGY
AHS focuses on membership growth in all territories, and
consistently exceeds targets in the majority of businesses. This
strategy has been successful, delivering revenue and earnings
growth of nearly 60% over the last six years. Attention is now
focused on improving operational efficiency, while still pursuing
opportunities for organic growth and geographical expansion.
Our clients’ success depends on innovation and automation to
reduce input costs and provide seamless service. We have
lined up several solutions, improving the way in which members,
service providers and intermediaries are able to transact and
share information. Our next focus area is partnering with
organisations at the cutting edge of healthcare with the
objective of eliminating wastage, fraud and abuse.




