Pensioners Rates

My 71 year old Mother has been using the same GP for over 40 years and always received a pensioners discount when visiting her doctor. This specific doctor has now retired and the other doctors in the same practice where her file and complete medical history was have joined the Intercare group and her file been handed over to one of the other doctors. My Mother had to schedule a visit not because she is sick but for a new script on hormone tablets that she needs so no real consultation was necessary yet she is required to pay full consultation rates of R420 on a state pension of R1410 ! When calling first to enquire about pensioners rates the response was that she should come in and discuss it with the doctor yet the response by the doctor was that no discount can be given because rates are determined by headoffice.