Fight on for life-saving meds

BOY’S INCURABLE DISEASE: MEDICAL AID WON’T PAY AND TREATMENT COSTS R1.2M YEARLY

- Jabulile Mbatha

The parents of little Zachary de Wet are trying to buy their five-year-old son some time by slowing the progression of his incurable and rare disease called Hunter syndrome and fighting their medical aid which won't pay for the treatment.

But the legal fight is much wider that just this family because it affects all members who have conditions covered by prescribed minimum benefits.

A nongovernmental organisation, Rare Diseases South Africa (RDSA), has dedicated itself to fighting a legal battle with the medical aid scheme Med-Aid, which is being heard before the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS).

The hearings began again yesterday under a new board, following delays because of appeals.

CEO of RDSA Kelly du Plessis said: "There has been a lack of consistent application in law and the outcome of this matter will have a fundamental impact on all medical scheme users when it comes to prescribed minimum benefits."