News

GEMS spending on mental healthcare increases by 198%

12 Oct 2026

In 2025 Government Employees Medical Scheme (GEMS) spent R2.75bn on depression treatment; a 198% increase on the R923.9m it paid in 2019. – Sunday Times (11 October 2026)
Over the same period, GEMS admissions for depression increased by 33%; resulting in more patients relying on in-hospital treatment, which tends to cost more.
Out of R67bin total healthcare costs spent by GEMS in 2025, mental disorders accounted for R4.0bin (6%) of total expenditure.
The escalating disease burden - alongside mental health and other claims - has added heavy financial pressure to GEMS, sparking intense debates between unions, the Board of Trustees and the Council for Medical Schemes (CMS) regarding contribution hikes and cost-containment measures.
According to Momentum Health, public-sector employees - including teachers, nurses and police officers - face significant mental health pressures, while SA lacks sufficient mental health professionals. The problem could be resolved by integrating mental healthcare into primary care, making support accessible alongside treatment for physical conditions and training GPs, nurses and counsellors to improve early identification.

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