Complaint- Childbirth

I'm a member of Bankmed since 2013. I'm currently pregnant with my 2nd child and due to deliver on the 19th of April. The biggest challenge I'm facing is that there are no gynaes contracted with Bankmed in Port Elizabeth area where I reside. I experienced the very same problem in 2022 when I gave birth to my first child. I was then advised by Bankmed to choose between two gynaes (Dr Akpan and Dr Moosa) who both practice at Greenacres Hospital (a hospital contracted with Bankmed in Port Elizabeth) for the delivery of my child in 2022. I went with Dr Akpan because he was the only one who could give me an appointment at the time, he delivered my baby and everything went very well. Two years later, I need a gynae to delivery my baby and am confronted with the very same problem as before.

I sent an email to *** on on 29/01/2024 requesting for authorization to have Dr Akpan deliver my baby since he practices at the Greenacres Hospital (a hospital contracted with Bankmed in Port Elizabeth where I reside) and the fact that there are no gynaes contracted with Bankmed in my area. I received e response saying that they will only pay Dr Akpan up to scheme rate. I find this very unfair and inconsiderate because the medical aid wants to leave me with co-payments that I cannot afford. Please consider these factors:

1. I'm expecting a new born baby which comes with a lot expenses on its own.

2. I'm going on maternity leave and so my salary will be less than usual, meaning that I'm already on a shortfall financially for these coming months. I cannot to pay co-payments.

3. It is the medical aid's responsibility to see to it that the needs of the members are met, they should see to it that all areas have a gynae contracted to the medical aid, it's a vital need, I mean child birth on it's own happens in every area.

4. It is so disappointing that two years later we still have to deal with the same issues. Medical aid should've addressed the need when it first arose.

I really feel disappointed and let down that I as a member should suffer for the shortcomings of the medical aid.