
NIPAH VIRUS
First identified during the Malaysia-Singapore outbreak in 1998-1999, Nipah virus (NiV) has since caused sporadic outbreaks. There is renewed global
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First identified during the Malaysia-Singapore outbreak in 1998-1999, Nipah virus (NiV) has since caused sporadic outbreaks. There is renewed global
A recent Typhoid fever outbreak in the City of Tshwane has sparked conversation about water safety and hygiene. This alert
At SAMWUMED, every contribution you make goes directly toward one purpose: ensuring that you and your fellow local government workers receive reliable, affordable healthcare. But when Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Error (FWAE) enter the system, that protection becomes vulnerable.

SAMWUMED is aware of false and misleading allegations being circulated by the Melomed Group. These claims are inaccurate, alarming, and

Attention Khayelitsha and Mitchell’s Plain SAMWUMED Members. Introduction of a Shuttle Service We are please to announce an enhancement to
The cost of private healthcare is an ever-increasing concern for families across the country. In a moment of crisis, a
Navigating the world of medical aid can feel like a complex puzzle, and nothing adds to that complexity quite like
How to Claim from SAMWUMED Without Getting Your Claims Rejected: A Member’s Guide Navigating medical aid claims can feel like
When it comes to your health, peace of mind is invaluable. Knowing that you and your loved ones have access
In the heart of every South African community, municipal workers are the unsung heroes who keep our cities running. From

Local Media Updates: On 18th February 2025, the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) released an update on Hand, Foot,

Question: Why are NHN/Melomed Hospitals not on SAMWUMED’s network for 2025? Answer: SAMWUMED, like other Medical Aid Schemes, changes our

Dear Valued Members SAMWUMED is thrilled to announce a partnership with one of South Africa’s leading fitness brands Virgin Active.

Pregnancy is one of the most significant periods in a woman’s life, filled with joy, anticipation, and some challenges. Ensuring

SAMWUMED has partnered with Preferred Provider Negotiators (PPN), for enhanced optometry services and the administration of optical benefits. PPN will

National Cancer Survivors Day is a powerful testament to the remarkable progress made in cancer treatment. While there is no

SAMWUMED HPU Memorandum: Monkeypox (Mpox) Management Purpose The purpose of this document is to provide the latest updates on the

In a world where healthcare costs are soaring and medical emergencies can strike unexpectedly, having the right medical aid plan

Cape Town, June 2024: The South African Municipal Workers Union National Medical Scheme (SAMWUMED), is a national accredited and self-administered

Dear Valued Member, Impact of National Health Insurance (NHI) on Your SAMWUMED Membership Following the signing of the National Health

Healthcare is a fundamental aspect of our lives, and having the right medical aid plan can make a significant difference

SAMWUMED Medical Schemes is a self-administered medical aid scheme with a national footprint. It covers approximately 73,000 lives within the

Dear Valued SAMWUMED Member, Thank you once again for choosing SAMWUMED as your medical aid of choice. We strive to

In an era where healthcare costs are soaring and lifestyle-related diseases are rising, medical aid has become a crucial lifeline

Yes! We Can End TB World TB Day, observed annually on March 24th, aims to raise public awareness that tuberculosis

What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases that can damage the optic nerve and lead to vision

World Birth Defects Day is observed annually during the month of March to raise awareness about birth defects. This year’s

Prescription Medication Prescription medication can only be obtained through a prescription from a physician or other licensed medical practitioner. These

To register a dependant, you can: Download the Application to Register Dependents form from the SAMWUMED website. Collect the Application

SAMWUMED is committed to providing you, our member, with access to high-quality healthcare, protecting you from unexpected out-of-pocket expenses, and

A dentist is a healthcare professional who specialises in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of diseases and conditions of the
Prostate cancer is one of the most common cancers affecting South African men. The risk for prostate cancer increases with

According to South African Medical Journal, stroke is among the top 10 leading causes of disability in SA, and accounts

Benefits/ Operations In cases of emergency which hospitals can I go to? In case of a medical emergency, a member

It is important that we always have your most up-to-date contact information so that we can communicate all your benefits,

October is Breast cancer awareness month; an annual campaign raises awareness about the impact of breast cancer. This year’s theme

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic disease that causes inflammation around the body and commonly presents pain in the joints.

Influenza, commonly known as the “flu”, is a respiratory viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Although many

Usually when a member is suspended its either there is a short payment or non-payment of contributions. The first point

It may sound cliché to say the common term “Wow time flies”, but as we have reached the end of

The Website Chat allows you to engage with us in real time via email message during normal operating hours. After

Do I have to wait for my anniversary date to get new spectacles? Effective from the beginning of 2023, the
The SAMWUMED Preventative Care (PBC) and early detection benefit provides members with an opportunity to take ownership of their own

What are medication benefits? Medication benefits is a basket that contains various types of medication including prescribed, over the counter

It is important that we always have your most up-to-date contact information so that we can communicate all your benefits,

As an addition to our Maternity Programme which helps expecting moms to receive the help, they need during their pregnancy

What is a dependent? A dependent is a spouse or partner, child or parent who is dependent on the member

With the soaring costs of the monthly food basket, many South African households are forced to make changes to their

The Covid-19 pandemic has created a global crisis for mental health, fuelling short – and long-term stresses and undermining the

World Arthritis Day is designed to raise global awareness about the plurality of Arthritis. Doctors and well-wishers try to raise

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month, an annual campaign to raise awareness about the impact of breast cancer. How to

Dear Valued Member RE: SAMWUMED 2023 Monthly Contribution Increases These past three years, have demonstrated that we are indeed a

Prostate Cancer Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer globally and locally and showing significant increases. The risk to

A member must complain in writing to the Principal Officer of the Scheme who will respond to the member within

Substance abuse is on the increase in South Africa and alcohol, marijuana (dagga), cocaine, tik and heroin are some of

SAMWUMED is encouraging its male members to take ownership of their health by learning more about health issues and illnesses

Although there is ongoing research on how cancer can be prevented, good lifestyle choices including the ones listed below can

The winter season is almost here. Here are some tips to protect you and your family from colds, touches of
Smoking is not good for one’s health. It can lead to life-threatening health complications. It causes cancer, heart disease, stroke,

The dependents of a deceased Member, who are registered with the Scheme as dependents at the time of the member’s
You can have hypertension or high blood pressure for years without any symptoms. That is why regular health screenings are
Many knee replacements and hip replacements are performed each year, but some of these surgeries can be prevented through good lifestyle

SAMWUMED believes that prevention is better than cure. Taking preventative measures and taking charge of your health is the best

A healthy heart is central to overall good health and choosing a healthy lifestyle at any age can prevent heart

SAMWUMED members and dependents have access to a variety of medicines for once-off or ongoing treatments. Whether on both Option

None of us wishes to be hospitalised. But it is good to know that whenever that situation arises we are

Adding a dependent A Member may apply for the registration of his or her dependents at the time of the

SAMWUMED encourages members who have vaccinated to get Booster Shots to increase their protection against COVID-19. The Booster Shots are

TB is a bacterial infection that spreads from person to person. Compared of others, TB of the lungs spreads faster.

Extreme weight gain or obesity is not always caused by eating a lot and not exercising. It can also be

March month marked World Kidney Day. Kidneys are important to our health and wellbeing as they remove wastes and extra unwanted

SAMWUMED is committed to paying member claims as speedily as possible. To enable this, members must submit all the required

A person with Epilepsy has seizures that may place them at risk. How can you help? Protect the person
These past two years, we watched the world change rapidly in a matter of a month due to the Covid-19

If the answer is yes – you may need to see an Occupational Therapist. SAMWUMED covers members and beneficiaries for

Although COVID-19 may have overtaken everything in our lives and put other conditions and illnesses in the background, people living

TB is a major disease in South Africa and is commonly associated with HIV. An estimated 360,000 South Africans contracted

Weight loss If you want to lose weight — and keep it off — Dietitians can help you create

Losing a part of your body and not being able to do normal life activities like walking, holding and even

In addition to the already available screenings to test for cancer, SAMWUMED has added Cytology screening for 2022. This new

Did you know? SAMWUMED has a programme to help you to stop smoking – if you want to stop but

A person becomes diabetic when their body is not able to produce or use insulin well, resulting in a high
SAMWUMED is committed to fairness, openness, and transparency. The Scheme also promotes the highest level of professional and ethical behaviour.

SAMWUMED is committed to fairness, openness, and transparency. The Scheme also promotes the highest level of professional and ethical behaviour.

Expecting a baby is exciting for the expecting parents and their families. SAMWUMED is making it even more exciting. As

SAMWUMED has introduced the HPV vaccine to fight the HPV virus as part of the 2022 Benefits improvements. HPV is

SAMWUMED has introduced a Vitamins Benefit as part of 2022 benefits improvements. This benefit was one of the key ones

1 in 28 (3.6%) South African women will develop Breast cancer in their lifetime, according to OCESA, a non-profit Organisation

SAMWUMED members who have finished or exhausted their medical aid benefits before the end of the year don’t have to

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. It’s the most common

The board of trustees plays an important role in a medical aid scheme. It is responsible for the proper and

For the normal member, Biokinetics maybe a difficult term to understand. But it is an important benefit. Biokinetics uses scientifically

If you suffer from constant back and neck problems, it may be time to learn more about the SAMWUMED Documentation

SAMWUMED’s number of contracted doctors is steadily growing country wide. The total number of doctors or healthcare service providers is

Rheumatic heart disease is a condition in which heart valves have been permanently damaged by rheumatic fever. It’s the most

Our bones are constantly changing, and as we age we lose bones more quickly than we replace them. As a

To ensure that your new born baby grows up to be well and healthy, you can take him or her

Live healthy and disease free by getting regular free health screenings. Use your SAMWUMED Cares Wellness Programme Benefit for Type

If a member dies, will their registered dependents continue to be covered by SAMWUMED? The answer is Yes, should they

Prevention is better than cure. As a member of SAMWUMED, you can tap into the Scheme’s Wellness Programme benefits and
Dear valued SAMWUMED members, In the true spirit of caring and living up to being an Essential Healthcare Service

On Cancer Survivor’s Day, we celebrate the lives of all our members who are Cancer Survivors. SAMWUMED also unites with

We wish for our members to enjoy their medical aid and stay with SAMWUMED. In addition to understanding Benefits, it

One in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems. This does not include more serious conditions such

To ensure that SAMWUMED members receive the best quality healthcare, we go through a thorough process of selecting and approving

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). It causes inflammation of your digestive tract, which can lead

Addison’s disease is a disorder that occurs when a person’s body doesn’t produce enough of certain hormones. The symptoms usually

Epilepsy or “seizure disorders” is the fourth most common neurological disorder and affects people of all ages. It is characterised

Alzheimer’s disease is the most common cause of dementia. Dementia is a collective name for conditions in which progressive degeneration

May month is marked as International Awareness Day for Chronic Immunological and Neurological Diseases (CIND). The day is meant to

Breaking News: Calling all Health Personnel The Sisonke program is entering its final week, ending on Sunday 16 May, and

As a SAMWUMED member you can rest assured knowing that your healthcare needs are well taken care of. Among others,

When you are sick, finding a doctor or healthcare service provider conveniently in your area is important. This is why

GET ONTO OUR CHRONIC MEDICINE MANAGEMENT PROGRAMME Do you have a chronic illnesses? A chronic illness is an illness that

One of the most important things about enjoying your medical aid is not having to worry about payment of your

Medicines are important for your healthcare treatment. This is why SAMWUMED has considered all options when it comes to your

The answer is Yes. SAMWUMED has you covered! You and your dependents will not be paying for the Vaccine. The

The cold season is around the corner. This means it is Flu Time. Protect yourself by taking the Flu Vaccine

The South African Municipal Workers Union National Medical Aid (SAMWUMED is deeply saddened by the passing of former SAMWU Provincial

The cold season is around the corner. This means it is Flu Time. Protect yourself by taking the Flu Vaccine

https://www.samwumed.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Web-Page-banner.png What is Glaucoma? Glaucoma is a group of eye diseases or disorders that damage the nerves at the back

We welcome our new members into our family. You made the right decision joining SAMWUMED. We want you to Stay

We are growing and expanding the number of healthcare service providers or networks – all for the benefit of our

This Programme is aimed at helping our members and their dependents suffering from Cancer to get the right treatment to

More people die from Cancer each year than from HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined, according to Worldcancerday.org. But it does

SAMWUMED offers expecting mothers comprehensive maternity benefits to help them and their unborn baby. Although most pregnancies are without complications,

Being a member of our Scheme has many benefits for you and your loved ones. Most importantly, you are covered

Dear Family Practitioners, The UFFP is pleased to announce that the NDOH and the SAMRC have agreed to include GP’s

More people die from Cancer each year than from HIV/AIDS, malaria and tuberculosis combined, according to Worldcancerday.org. But it does

https://www.samwumed.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Year-End-Message-2-copy-1.jpg For your convenience our Contact Centre & Web Chat will be operational during the holidays on the following days:

Dear Valued Members It is unbelievable that we have come to the end of the year! We would like to

SAMWUMED members and dependents are covered for radiology as part of their medical aid benefits. Members and dependents have separate

The 1st December 2020 marks World Aids Day. The theme for this year is “Ending the HIV/AIDS Epidemic: Resilience and Impact”.

According to the International Diabetes Federation, 415 million adults have diabetes. By 2040 this figure is expected to rise to

SAMWUMED has introduced a Family Practitioner Network. The advantage of having a single family health practitioner instead of visiting many
Prostate cancer is the most common male cancer globally and in South Africa. International and local research indicates that the risk
South Africans recently commemorated Mental Health Awareness Month. The reason was not only to educate the public about mental health,
During the month of October the world observed Bone and Joint Week. The aim is to raise awareness about prevention, disease
Fast Facts Obesity is one of the leading risk factors for premature death. It was linked to 4.7 million deaths

During regular daily life, it is often not easy for many individuals to find time to prepare healthy home-cooked meals.

Dear Members, As we know, August has been declared Women’s Month. Allow me to pause, acknowledge and thank all our

Rheumatic heart disease describes a group of short-term (acute) and long-term (chronic) heart disorders that are caused by Rheumatic fever.

Rheumatic fever is an inflammatory disease that can be triggered by a streptococcal bacterial infection. It usually starts out as

Polio is a highly infectious viral disease that can cause paralysis and death in its most severe forms. It largely

COVID-19 has, for the foreseeable future, changed life as we know it and left us in fear for our health

LET’S TAKE ACTION AND INSPIRE THE CHANGE WE WANT TO SEE THIS MANDELA DAY This month on Saturday 18 July

Panic Disorder is a real illness and 4% of South Africans suffer from it, says the South African Depression and

According to the Business Insider, surviving COVID-19, involves fighting and overcoming a physical, psychological and emotional battle. Some patients and

Funerals are a breeding ground for the spread of COVID-19. This is according to the Minister of Health, Dr Zweli

Worldwide, 290 million people are living with viral hepatitis unaware. Without finding the undiagnosed and linking them to care, millions

At a time when the country is entering a “COVID-19 Storm”, South Africans are becoming relaxed, says the Minister of

“I can’t breathe, I really cannot breathe. My chest hurts, my fingers tingle and my vision is blurred – I’m

Dear Member We have all noted with concern, the alarming increase of COVID-19 infections as well as COVID-19 deaths in

The latest data from the Western Cape has revealed that chronic kidney disease (CKD) was one of the common underlying

High blood pressure, or hypertension, increases a person’s risk for getting heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, eye disease and even

Drug and alcohol abuse take a toll on thousands of South Africans every day. Not only is it on the

“Obesity is a major public health and economic problem of global significance”, says South African Society for Surgery, Obesity and

The Council for Medical Schemes today announced the lifting of Curatorship of SAMWUMED Medical Scheme. The lifting of the Curatorship

Dear Members, As infections and deaths continue to rise in South Africa as a result of COVID-19, our President Cyril

Medscheme shares tips on when and how to use a face mask. Please click here for more:- Medscheme_Scheme Member Coms_COVID-19_WHEN

PROTECT YOURSELF AGAINST PNEUMONIA Pneumonia is a form of acute respiratory infection that affects the lungs. The lungs are made

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, commonly known as COPD, is a group of progressive lung diseases, the most common being emphysema

Asthma is a disease that affects the lungs. It causes wheezing, breathlessness, chest tightness, and coughing at night or early

Cigarette smoking increases the chance of lung cancer, says the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), adding that, cigarette

BACKGROUND On 31 December 2019, the World Health Organization (WHO) China country office reported a cluster of pneumonia cases in

SAMWUMED’s new Principal Officer (PO), Ms Matsietsi Francina Mosoeu, says she looks forward to serving members of the Scheme and

Cell phones are one of the most popular communication tools used by South Africans today. According to Statistica, about 20

GP and Specialist rooms authorisations For 2020, an authorisation is required for minor procedures in the GP and Specialist rooms.

In 2020 SAMWUMED has given members more reasons to stay and those who are not members, more reasons to want

SAMWUMED’s Primary Healthcare Programme is an added benefit for members, irrespective of whether they are on Option A or Option

Basic Information Q: What is 2019 Novel Coronavirus? A: The 2019 Novel Coronavirus, or 2019-nCoV, is a new respiratory virus

The time has come for me as Curator of SAMWUMED to conclude the business of curatorship at the Scheme, which

SAMWUMED will be taking part in various Municipality World Aids Day & Wellness events from 03rd to 06th December 2019.

Once a person is diagnosed as having HIV they are advised to start antiretroviral treatment (ART). These drugs treat HIV,

HIV is a chronic condition where treatment is available and must be taken for life. SAMWUMED covers the treatment, pathology

TB is the most common opportunistic infection associated with HIV. It is also a leading cause of death among people

These days having HIV doesn’t necessarily mean a death sentence. With the right treatment and care, HIV infected people can expect

SAMWUMED is still amongst South Africa’s biggest restricted medical Schemes. This is according to the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS)
According to the International Diabetes Federation (IDF), People with diabetes are at greater risk of developing a number of serious

Cataract is the most common cause of blindness in South Africa, according to South African Optometric Association (SAOA). Cataract is

There were 1,826,100 cases of diabetes in South Africa in 2017, states the International Diabetes Forum (IDF) Africa Region, placing

In the 2018 financial year SAMWUMED processed and paid R1.1 billion worth of health related member claims. Members are encouraged

There are many reasons to Join and Stay with SAMWUMED. Key among them is that the Scheme provides high VALUE

The period between 1 October and 31 December of each year is the time for South African municipality workers who

“SAMWUMED has had strong financial performance from 2016 to 2018.” This is according to Joe Seoloane, Curator for SAMWUMED. The
Not sure of your benefits? Not to worry. We have taken time to break them down for you in an

Municipality workers wishing to join SAMWUMED will be pleased to know that should they wish to move to SAMWUMED from
Cardiomyopathy is a condition in which a portion of the heart becomes thick without an obvious cause, resulting in it being

Glaucoma is an eye disease that damages a person’s eye nerves leading to blindness if not treated. It often happens

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease. It is caused by the hardening and narrowing of the

SAMWUMED has two Benefit Options namely, Option A and Option B. A member may join the Scheme on one Option

The latest version of NHI has also been released, please click here for more information.

MEMBERS We have made it easier for you our members to reach us and engage us. The new SAMWUMED Website
Did you know? A member can have as many dependents as they wish. But there are rules that they need

SAMWUMED staff have been busy going around the country listening, sharing information and engaging with municipal employers. The inputs provided

Schizophrenia is a debilitating mental disorder or illness characterized by hallucinations, delusions and confused speech or behaviour. Schizophrenia affects 1

Over 4 million South Africans have Bipolar Disorder in South Africa. This is according to the South African Depression and

Did you know? A member may retain his membership of the Scheme with his dependents, if any, in the event

As many as one in six South Africans suffer from anxiety, depression or substance-use problems (and this does not include

Welcome to Imbizo – SAMWUMED’s Stakeholder monthly e-newsletter. Imbizo means a gathering where important news is shared with all our

SAMWUMED encourages its members on both Option A and Option B to visit their nearest pharmacy for a Pneumococcal vaccine.

Hypertension was the top 10 chronic condition among SAMWUMED members in 2018. This is according to SAMWUMED’s Managed Care service

SAMWUMED is on a drive to ensure that its members keep up to date with their premiums in order to

The Client Services Department is capacitating itself to deliver improved customer service to both internal and external SAMWUMED stakeholders. The

In a bid to improve its customer service, retain existing members and attract new members, SAMWUMED will soon be deploying
SAMWUMED has developed a new website as part of a bigger strategy of member service improvement including, enhanced communication, quick

SAMWUMED Trustee Elections are underway. Please click here for the nomination pack. Download the SAMWUMED Election NoticeDownload the SAMWUMED Nomination

The Client Services Department is capacitating itself to deliver improved customer service to both internal and external SAMWUMED stakeholders. The

SAMWUMED continues to attract members from many municipalities across the country. In fact as at 23 January this year, the

If you are diabetic you might be at increased risk for gum disease. Here’s why you shouldn’t postpone that trip