Melomed

Melomed was founded in 1989, by Ebrahim Bhorat, who, as of 2025, was serving as the group's Chairman. ==Operations==

Melomed operates 6 private hospitals in South Africa, with 5 located in Cape Town, and 1 in Richards Bay. Unlike other major South African private healthcare companies, such as Mediclinic Group, Netcare, and Life Healthcare Group, Melomed is not a public company, and is therefore not listed on the JSE like its direct competitors. ==Corporate social responsibility==

Melomed has focused on opening hospitals in low-income areas, especially in the Cape Flats region of Cape Town. This region houses many people who were forcibly removed from homes in more desirable parts of Cape Town, during apartheid, as part of the then-government's system of spatial planning. The group has specifically positioned hospitals in these communities to benefit their residents, improve private healthcare access, and create a more equitable society. The group operates quarterly support groups, which are available to the public. These support groups have the aim of providing vital support and education to local communities. As part of recruitment and education initiatives, Melomed has attended the Youth in Action Expo at the CTICC, and has hosted a Career Day for grade 11 and 12 students, in celebration of Youth Day, at its Melomed Mitchells Plain Hospital. Melomed has also offered free health screenings to all members of the public at certain of its facilities, as well as a pap smear drive during Women’s Month. ==Controversy==

In January 2025, the South African Municipal Workers Union Medical Scheme (SAMWUMED) announced that Melomed had been excluded as one of its service providers, with immediate effect. SAMWUMED did not provide a reason for the decision. This followed Melomed having provided services to SAMWUMED members for over 20 years. A representative from Melomed said that the decision disregarded the socio-economic situation of SAMWUMED members residing in the Cape Flats, who would now have to be directed to facilities outside their areas of residence, creating transportation and other challenges for them. Melomed also criticized SAMWUMED for not updating its website and brochures, or informing its members of the change, and said that the decision was directly counter to ensuring equitable healthcare access. ==References==