The Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) will, on November 2nd, 2023, host its 14th annual GEMS Symposium under the theme: “Advancing Health Equity by Addressing the Social Determinants of Health”. Experts, thought leaders and specialists in healthcare will engage in discussions towards a better understanding of the societal determinants of health in South Africa.
For this hybrid event, delegates will attend both in person at Sandton and virtually.
Dr Moloabi states that the “Symposium is an important event on the GEMS calendar, providing a platform for academic, clinical, government and business minds to discuss what social issues are at play in determining the nation’s health status and how to improvements in health equity can be realized”. Moreover, he also highlights the need to remove practical obstacles that make us an unequal society if we are to achieve collaborative and cohesive solutions to our healthcare challenges.”
Speakers will include:
- Dr Ingrid Pooe – Chief Operations Officer, Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS),
- Dr Sebayitseng Millicent Hlatshwayo – Chairperson, Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS),
- Dr Chana Pilane-Majake – Deputy Minister of Public Service and Administration (DPSA),
- Professor Mcebisi Ndletyana – Professor of Political Science, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg,
- Dr Selaelo Mametja – Chief Research Officer, Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS),
- Mr Barry Childs – Joint Chief Executive Officer Insight Actuaries & Consultants,
- Dr Vuyo Gqola – Chief Healthcare Officer, Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS),
- Mr Louis Botha – Chief Executive Officer, Health Quality Assessment (HQA),
- Ms Yoliswa Makhasi – Director General, Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA),
- Mr Frikkie de Bruin- General Secretary, Public Service Coordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC),
- Dr Pali Lehohla – Director of Economic Modelling Academy (EMA),
- and
- GEMS Principal Officer Dr Stanley Moloabi.
Dr Pilane-Majake, the Deputy Minister for the Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) will deliver the keynote address, elucidating, amongst other insights, the crucial relationship between the DPSA as employer and GEMS as an implementor of a mandate to ensure access to health and wellness by government employees and thus contributing towards the attainment of the ideals of Universal Healthcare Coverage.
Media personality Ms. Faith Mangope will facilitate conversations as the panel covers key discussion points, including:
- Achieving the Sustainable Development Agenda 2030.
- Beyond Healthcare: Addressing health equity and social determinants of health.
- Policy Interventions for Addressing Social Determinants of Health: Lessons and best practices.
- Value-Based Care and Social Determinants of Health: Integrating social context into healthcare delivery.
- Advancing health equity by addressing social determinants of health; and
- Exploring the interplay between healthcare quality and social determinants.
At GEMS, we are dedicated to fulfilling our responsibilities towards our members and the people of South Africa. The Symposium is a testament to our commitment to Universal Healthcare Coverage, and we are eagerly anticipating a productive outcome that will be memorable and provide an insightful experience for all involved, Dr. Moloabi” concludes.
To learn more about the GEMS Symposium, visit www.symposium.gems.gov.za.
