Industry news: ProSano Medical Scheme increases brand footprint

Dr Arens Prosano

ProSano has come a long way since its inception in 1976 and currently boasts 32 000 members representing government, state owned enterprises, companies and private individuals. The current members are predominantly based in the Western Cape region.

Awarded the A+ rating for 2007 by Global Credit Ratings, ProSano is financially sound and prides itself as being an affordable, no-nonsense straightforward medical scheme. For more than 30-years, the medical scheme has succeeded in remaining financially viable in a competitive market, whilst offering its members an affordable and quality product range.

ProSano's new strategic focus is to increase its brand footprint nationally. “Having mastered our expertise in the healthcare sector and in particular in the Western Cape over the past 30 years, we are assured that we have a sound medical scheme to offer to the rest of South Africa”, commented Dr James Arens, Clinical Operations Executive and Medical Advisor for ProSano. “Medical cover is a necessity and people are looking for an affordable, yet comprehensive cover that best suits their needs and most importantly their pocket. Our vision is to provide a comprehensive range of affordable and accessible healthcare benefits that are administered responsibly”.

ProSano's accumulated fund ratio as at 30 September 2007 is 38%, which is substantially higher than the statutory requirement of 25%. The financial equivalent in Rand terms is R284 million in reserve funds, which is consistent with the amount registered at the end of December 2006. This means that the scheme continues to be financially strong as they approach 2008.

The medical scheme has a product for every market segment with plans to extend their product range in March 2008 with an additional option positioned at the top end of the market. The ProSano products have been carefully designed to cater for the needs of all South Africans working in both public and private sector. The costing of the 2008 products has also ensured that Pro Sano grows its reserve levels in order to assure members of the long term sustainability of the scheme. It still offers one of the most cost effective and affordable options in the market.

Some notable unique benefits that ProSano offers are: unlimited pathology, radiology and maternity benefits in hospital; registered students pay the child rate up to the age of 27 years; cover over 60 chronic conditions; cover multivitamins and homeopathic medication, just to name a few.

In line with their new brand identity, ProSano have also signed a sponsorship agreement with Shaun Bartlett to represent the medical scheme. Having recently joined Kaizer Chiefs from English Premiership club, Charlton Athletic, Shaun is clearly the highest profiled player in the PSL. Not only has he proved himself in the toughest of leagues, but Shaun is also the all-time leading scorer for Bafana Bafana, having scored 29 goals in 74 appearances. Shaun will be the face of ProSano and will play a major role in the new advertising and promotional campaign.

For more information contact Michelle Camps 082 855 2663 or m.camps@mweb.co.za