Members life means nothing!

<p>My father-in-law (Deon Fitchet) who is a member of GEMS, has been in Eugene Marais Hospital since 20 February 2017 in desperate need of a special pacemaker. The doctor submitted for authorization and we got the response that they would cover the procedure and hospitalization, but they wont cover the pacemaker as they needed 2 quotes. We obtained 2 quotations as they requested but they still denied it, this time saying it was a prosthesis. We then went through a lot of trouble to raise the money needed for the pacemaker within our family and circle of friends. When we went back with the necessary funds to pay for the device, we were informed that no part of the procedure or hospitalization will be covered either.</p> <p>They then required medical reports from 3 specialists for motivation for the pacemaker. This was done on the same day they asked for it. The doctor (Dr. JF Benson) has since been in constant contact with GEMS, as have we. Every time they come up with a different thing that they need us to send to them, but still do not tell us what the holdup is, or why they are so hesitant to authorize this procedure. We spoke to them again yesterday (06/03/2017), and were told that the medical advisor has queried some things. (This Medical Advisor is a phantom of some sort as we are not allowed to speak to this person, no name was given to us and were given an sms number to contact him. He has still not responded) He (the medical advisor) now requires pharmacy records for up to 3 months, it is not known or understood why. This was sent to them on 06/03/2017 as requested. They have also released him from ICU and put him in a normal ward (claiming that they can't pay for any further ICU costs but will pay for normal ward care as long as he requires it. They have been close to pushing him into theatre twice but every time the medical aid comes with a new requirement. Surely it cannot take 3 weeks to make a simple decision and at least give a reason as to why you have made such a decision. All this while a man is slowly losing his life. It has been almost 3 weeks that they have delayed this process, and my father-in-law is getting weaker and sicker by the day. We have tried all other possible avenues to try and get answers, but all have been roadblocks. We are afraid that by the time GEMS gives us any feedback or communication, the damage done will have been too much, or that his heart could have failed completely. Yesterday I spoke to a lady named Refilwe, who is a team leader at the call centre. She was the first one to try and do something about the matter and apologize. I have however still not recieved feedback from her either. We have been desperately pleading for the life of our father, husband and grandfather but it all falls on deaf ears. Shame on you GEMS!</p>