The CMS Industry Indaba 2026 concludes with a strong commitment to sustainable healthcare reform

The 2026 CMS Industry Indaba has successfully concluded after two days of robust engagements on the future of healthcare financing in South Africa. Hosted by the Council for Medical Schemes, the Indaba brought together healthcare leaders and stakeholders to engage on governance reform, value-based healthcare, accountability and sustainability. Held under a shared commitment to strengthening the sector, the Indaba reinforced the growing recognition that healthcare financing reform must be both collaborative and implementation-focused.

A platform for critical engagement

Across the two-day programme, stakeholders engaged on some of the most pressing issues affecting the industry, including Fraud, Waste, Abuse and Error (FWAE), Section 59 reform, procedural fairness, dispute resolution, strategic purchasing, ethical contracting and value-based healthcare models.

Access the official proceedings and speaker presentations here.

Key outcomes from the Indaba

The conference outcomes reflected a clear shift towards a more structured, accountable and implementation-driven phase of reform. Key themes emerging from the Indaba included:

• Strengthening governance frameworks relating to FWAE, claims management and investigations.
• Enhancing procedural fairness and dispute resolution mechanisms.
• Developing governance standards for algorithmic and data-driven systems.
• Advancing strategic purchasing and value-based healthcare models.
• Promoting evidence-based pricing and contracting reforms.
• Improving institutional trust, transparency and accountability across the sector.

Access Dr Musa Gumede’s presentation on the key outcomes here.

Putting medical scheme members at the centre

Throughout the Indaba, a recurring message remained clear: healthcare reform must ultimately serve the beneficiary.

From affordability and sustainability to fairness, access and quality care, delegates acknowledged that stronger governance and more effective healthcare financing systems are essential to protecting beneficiaries and maintaining public trust.

In his closing remarks, Dr Gumede reminded delegates that:

“Behind every reimbursement model, benefit structure, utilisation review and governance framework is a patient seeking access to healthcare with dignity, fairness and confidence in the system.”

That reminder matters because, ultimately, the purpose of healthcare financing reform is to protect the people, strengthen trust, and support sustainable access to quality healthcare.

The CMS extends its sincere appreciation to all delegates, speakers, stakeholders and partners who contributed to the success of the CMS Industry Indaba 2026. Your participation and engagement continue to strengthen dialogue, collaboration and reform across the medical schemes environment.

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