Dischem / Kaelo Refused Authorized Emergency Operation – Pensioner Left in Severe Pain

Title:

Dischem / Kaelo Refused Authorized Emergency Operation – Pensioner Left in Severe Pain

Review:

I joined Dischem Health / Kaelo in 2023, believing I would be protected in case of a medical emergency.

In early August 2025, I suffered a serious accident that completely tore my rotator cuff tendon and left my shoulder, arm, wrist, and hand swollen and unusable. I went to Vergelegen Mediclinic ER in severe pain, unable to move my arm or wrist.

The ER only did X-rays (which cannot show tendon tears) and discharged me with pain pills and a sling.

Instead of treating me immediately, I was told to go for a scan two days later at a separate radiology building.

Dischem / Kaelo authorized my emergency treatment, then revoked the authorization, claiming my surgery was a “follow-up” procedure — despite medical evidence that urgent surgery was required.

Multiple specialists warned that every day of delay risks permanent disability, yet my claim was repudiated.

As a pensioner, I cannot afford private surgery. I have been left in constant pain, losing use of my arm, and at risk of permanent disability because of Dischem / Kaelo’s negligence and refusal to honor their authorization.

They admitted causing me “distress and urgency” and apologized for “poor communication” — but apologies don’t fix a torn tendon.

⚠️ Question to other consumers: 👉 Would you trust Dischem / Kaelo to protect you in a real emergency, knowing how they treated me? 👉 How would you rate Dischem Health / Kaelo’s reliability and ethics based on this case?

📌 This matter is being escalated to the Council for Medical Schemes and prepared for legal action for damages.