"Medihelp’s Indifference to Active Bilharzia: No Support, No Refund, No Help

I am beyond frustrated with Medihelp’s refusal to acknowledge the seriousness of my Bilharzia (schistosomiasis) condition, despite it being a recognized PMB (Prescribed Minimum Benefit) disease and notifiable disease. They claim that my pathology report shows “exposure” but no “active infection.” However, the reality is much different. I am still experiencing severe symptoms, and the fact that my second blood test results were higher than the first one clearly indicates that the infection is still present. If my infection was truly inactive, my results should have been lower and, ideally, negative.

In addition, research—such as the study by Webster—shows that praziquantel, the standard treatment for Bilharzia, is often ineffective. In fact, the study I’m currently involved in reveals that all patients treated with praziquantel are still symptomatic, with some even continuing to have blood in their stool and urine. This suggests that the drug has failed to eliminate the Bilharzia, and the infection remains active in my system. Without proper treatment, this can cause permanent organ damage, something I am increasingly concerned about.

Medihelp’s refusal to provide the necessary support and cover for this ongoing condition is not only medically incorrect but is putting my health at risk. Despite paying thousands of Rands every month for coverage, I’ve received no reimbur*****t for the costly medication I’ve had to pay for out of pocket. I’m still suffering from the symptoms, and Medihelp has done nothing to help.

It is infuriating that the medical aid I rely on is turning its back on me in my time of need. They refuse to acknowledge that Bilharzia is still active in my system, and they’ve shown no willingness to provide reimbur*****t or assistance for the treatment required.

This condition is no joke—it's potentially life-threatening, and Medihelp’s response has been nothing short of negligent. The fact that I’m being forced to pay for ineffective treatment, with no support from the very medical aid I pay for, is unacceptable.

This situation feels like a slow death sentence. I’ve had no help, no refunds, and no acknowledgment of the damage Bilharzia is causing in my body. Medihelp seems to be putting its hands up, claiming it’s not their problem , leaving me to suffer mentally , emotionally, physically and financially. This is my life, my health, and my future, and I can’t just let this go unnoticed.

To anyone reading this: please be cautious about the medical aid you choose. Medihelp has failed me at every turn, and their refusal to act is putting my long-term health and well-being in jeopardy. The lack of empathy, the failure to provide treatment, and the refusal to reimburse me for the necessary medication have left me feeling helpless and alone in this struggle.