UCT IS currently involved in a project with the objective of developing a framework and strategy designed to address problem areas and achieve the most satisfactory outcome for UCT and its staff and retired personnel given the constraints and complexities of the current South African healthcare environment.

The first part of the project involved the identification and assessment of problems currently being experienced by UCT in providing healthcare benefits to staff and retired personnel. This was achieved by holding discussion groups with UCT employees and retirees in respect of healthcare benefits, and performing an independent survey of opinions of key personnel, either directly or indirectly involved in the healthcare environment of UCT. Volunteers for the discussion groups were called for from the UCT staff and pensioner community.

The objective of this communication is to inform UCT staff of the project, indicate problem areas as highlighted in the surveys, make available a more detailed report of the findings of the surveys and request further comment if concerns or problems have not been covered in the report.

The project highlighted the following areas in which concerns were raised:

• Caremed as UCT's chosen medical scheme
• Caremed as administrator
• Caremed's benefit structure
• Members' concept of insurance/ cross-subsidisation principles
• UCT's role in healthcare
• Possible future initiatives/action plans
• Alternative healthcare delivery mechanisms

In parallel, the HR Department will embark on an education and communication campaign covering general information on the status of the healthcare industry in South Africa and other relevant issues.

A detailed report of the finding of the surveys is available and can be emailed or posted to you. Please contact Susan Williams (swilliam@bremner.uct.ac.za tel 4330) in this regard. Please forward any further comment to Susan Williams at the above email address.