The South Gauteng High Court in Johannesburg has temporarily stopped the South African Municipal Workers Union National Medical Scheme (SAMWUMED) from removing Melomed hospitals from its network of healthcare providers. The ruling comes after negotiations between SAMWUMED and the National Hospital Network (NHN), which includes Melomed facilities, reached a deadlock.
SAMWUMED had indicated that its agreement with NHN, which began in January 2021, had expired and attempted to exclude Melomed Gatesville and Mitchell’s Plain hospitals from its coverage. The union claimed it had tried to reach an agreement with Melomed to maintain access for members but was unsuccessful.
The NHN raised concerns over the impact on patients, highlighting that Melomed employs over 5,000 staff, many from the Cape Flats, and that removing the hospitals from the network could disrupt care and livelihoods.
In court, Judge Nelisa Phiwokazi Mali emphasized the potential consequences of exclusion, noting that patient flows, specialist referrals, and hospital reputations could be significantly affected. She also pointed out that Melomed Mitchell’s Plain is the only acute hospital in the area, and excluding it would force patients to travel 20–21 kilometres to reach alternative facilities, placing a financial and logistical burden, especially on those relying on public transport.
The judge added that medical practitioners could also be affected, as fewer patients might access their services, potentially discouraging them from practicing at these facilities. SAMWUMED has been interdicted from taking action until a final decision is made on the case.