At Professional Provident Society Healthcare Administrators (PPSHA), our commitment to socio-economic development is rooted in two pivotal areas: health and education. We believe in caring for the future caregivers of our society. During the reporting period, and in partnership with Profmed, we launched an initiative that supports the academic and health journeys of our PPS Foundation bursary beneficiaries.

In 2022, we introduced a medical aid subsidy for our first cohort of fourth-year health sciences students. This initiative provides these students with a full year's worth of premiums paid to Profmed on their behalf. By doing so, we ensure that these future healthcare professionals receive essential medical aid cover at no cost to them.

We have extended this support to a total of 37 students, ensuring they remain covered by Profmed until they qualify and secure employment, enabling them to manage their own medical aid.

At PPS, we understand the crucial role healthcare professionals play in maintaining the health system of our country. Our initiative is part of a broader strategy to support these future caregivers holistically. By integrating healthcare support into our Bursary Programme, we address more than just educational expenses. These students, many of whom have never had access to private healthcare, are onboarded onto our proactive approach select option, which provides comprehensive in-hospital cover.

Looking ahead, we are committed to expanding this offering to include more extensive benefits, such as day-to-day healthcare cover and virtual consultations, which are cost-effective and convenient. There are numerous developments on the horizon at PPS Healthcare Administrators, aimed at enhancing the support we provide to these students.

Our initiative highlights the importance of holistic support in education. It is not just about covering tuition fees; it is about creating an environment where students can thrive academically and personally. By partnering with Profmed, we ensure that our bursary beneficiaries receive the best possible healthcare, preparing them to become the next generation of dedicated professionals.

Zukie Lekgothoane, Executive Manager for Stakeholder Relations, PPS Healthcare Administrators