Specialist Family Physicians (SFPs) – highly trained doctors (four extra years of postgraduate training) – “are banding together to challenge the might of private medical funders who, they say, are crushing their profession and short-changing patients”. – MedicalBrief(5 Nov 2025)
“To push back, SFPs have hired Healthman Consultancy to quantify their true worth – and to prove that their model of care saves funders millions. Early next year, they’ll propose pilot projects to demonstrate cost-effectiveness.”
According to Dr Sheena Mathew, vice-president of the SA Academy of Family Physicians (SAAFP) these specialists in private practice, “has no voice”.
“Funders keep us shackled to GP rates. It’s like working with our hands tied behind our backs.”
“Their expertise strengthens the foundation of the health system by managing 80% of conditions that would otherwise burden hospitals.