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GEMS tariff hike sparks union backlash

17 Feb 2026

Trade unions in the Public Service Co-ordinating Bargaining Council (PSCBC) have rejected the Government Employees Medical Scheme’s (GEMS) 9.8% tariff increase effective 1 January. – Times Live (17 Feb 2026)
The unions include the Public Servants Association, the Health and Other Service Personnel Trade Union of SA and the SA Policing Union.
They argue that GEMS was designed as a social solidarity medical scheme and never meant to operate like a commercial insurer. They also demand a forensic audit into governance, finances, procurement practice, and administrative expenditure.
In 2025 GEMS implemented a 13.4% increase in contributions resulting a cumulative 23.2% increase over two years.

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