DISCOVERY FAILING TO GRANT ME SPECIALIST AUTHORISATION AFTER 6 YEARS OF PAYING MEDICAL AID AND ONLY USING IT FOR THE FIRST TIME NOW

On the 23/05/2026 my doctor checked which hospital is in my network on my medical aid plan as I needed urgent admission. He found the nearest hospital being Mediclinic- Medforum. He checked who's the Head of Surgeon and found that it's Dr R Maluleke. My doctor proceeded to contact Dr Maluleke and spoke to him. My doctor then issued me with a referral letter to Emergency at Mediclinic Medforum. Upon arrival at Medforum I was advised by the Receptionist if I'm aware that Dr Maluleke is the Specialist and that we needed the Specialist Authorization. I told her that didn't know that. I have never been admitted before and it was MY FIRST TIME EVER USING MY Medical aid in 6 years of having it. The receptionist called Dr Maluleke and made him aware that I don't have an authorisation and they also couldn't reach my doctor so I was admitted because they also couldn't reach Discovery either. On Monday I was advised that they called Discovery for Specialist Authorization, that they were taken from pillar to post and they're still waiting for Discovery to answer. Dr Maluleke said I must go back to my doctor and obtain the Specialist Authorization. They discharged me at 17h00 with no pain killers and no medication, meanwhile I was very ill and in excruciating pain.

I have medical aid but I was denied medical treatment pending an authorisation.

The right to have access to health care services is a basic human right guaranteed by the Constitution. Section 27 of the Constitution provides that everyone has the right to have access to health care services, including reproductive health care services and no one may be refused emergency medical treatment.

DISCOVERY!!!WHY HAVEN'T YOU GRANTED AUTHORISATION YET? SHOULD I DIE BEFORE A LAWSUIT IS BROUGHT AGAINST YOU BEFORE YOU CAN TREAT CLIENTS WELL?!

As it is now, I am at home and have not been attended to for 3 days. The infection on my leg is bound to lead to consequential damage and who will take the fall for it?

I HAVE BEEN PAYING MY MEDICAL AID FOR 6 YEARS AND HAVE NEVER USED MY MEDICAL AID BEFORE, NEVER EVER?! MY FIRST EXPERIENCE IS THE MOST HORRIBLE AND LIFE THREATENING AND NOBODY CARES BECAUSE MONEY COMES FIRST.