Useless assistance on getting authorization for breast screening and masses

I am now advocating for all women who do not have a voice when it comes to Mammography and screening for breast cancer. 3 weeks ago I went for annual mammogram (which i might add medical aids don't pay for before the age of 40 and 45) because apparently even with a family history of breast cancer you cannot get breast cancer before the age of 40 (which is ridiculous).

I am currently on Fedhealth and after being poked and prodded during a biopsy the same day i was referred to a specialist breast surgeon. My surgeon is phenomenal and has requested a lumpectomy with MRI Magseed localization. Note that I am 38 years of age and my first mammogram was at 35 due to my mother having triple negative BC and Mastectomy.

On applying for authorization for surgery you are given the run around and need motivation letters even though my doctor had supp**** all necessary information on the theatre booking schedule to obtain codes.

They have now denied my authorization for MRI imaging as they require motivation.

God forbid you can possibly have a life threatening issue but they will do a knee replacement just fine.

Another issue of contention is prophylactic bilateral mastectomy. There again the red tape and beauroracy dumbfounded me. The hoops that women have to jump through to get specialized care even in the private sector astounds me. Why are these medical aids not coming to the party ? Myself and alot of women have to advocate for ourselves and don't even have the right to choose what we do with our own bodies. If this is my journey to fight this battle I will. And I will fight it for my daughter and all the other women who live in fear every 6 months waiting for tests to come back but don't get a choice on mastectomies and surgeries which are much needed to no 1. prolong our life and 2. to save on chemo costs when it is found too late.

And all the response you get is it is "SCHEME RULES". I am so sick and tired to hear their rules. We pay this every single month and do not ask to have a mass seen on imagining.

My surgery is supposed to be on 22 November 2021 and here I wait for authorization yet again pending a case worker deciding my fate.

At some point this needs to end and it feels like us as women still do not have a voice.

It would amazing if these medical aids could take responsibility and do what is best for patient health. And yet we are still a number but they are quick to take the money at month end.

And we leave our life in their hands and they do as they see fit in their beautifully decorated offices driving plush cars etc.