World history
The internet emerged as a transformative force. Political milestones included Nelson Mandela’s release in 1990 and South Africa’s first democratic elections in 1994.
South African history
South Africa’s re-entry into the global community was marked by hosting and winning the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The new flag and anthem became symbols of unity. The Medical Schemes Act 131 of 1998 was established to promote equitable access to healthcare resources. The Act created the Council for Medical Schemes as a legal body and appointed a Registrar of Medical Schemes.
Medihelp history
In 1992, the PSMAA was renamed Medihelp, marking a new era of branding and service. A new autonomous control board was elected. By 1994, contracts with hospitals, pharmacies, and medical practitioners ensured services at agreed tariffs, while a 20% discount on prescription medicine was introduced. That same year, Medihelp acquired shares in four Pretoria hospitals: Medforum, Pretoria Narco Clinic, Muelmed Hospital, and Astrid Clinic.
In 1996, regional offices were opened in Port Elizabeth and Bloemfontein, alongside a marketing office in Nelspruit. A milestone was achieved with the election of Dr S Khan, the first woman on Medihelp’s Control Board. In 1998, Medihelp launched its in-house magazine, élan, and introduced electronic claims processing via the EDI system. The decade concluded with the establishment of Medichron, Medihelp’s chronic medicine management programme.
