Technology

If you’ve interacted with any part of the South African private healthcare system, there’s a strong chance that you used what is arguably the largest healthtech platform in the country without even knowing it. The platform powers 71 medical aids (including market leader Discovery Health Medical Scheme), two of the three largest private hospital groups, as well as major pharmacy groups in the country.

The SaaS platform was established a full decade ago when Altron consolidated its MedeMass, MedeServe and MediSwitch offerings into Altron HealthTech. In its 2026 financial year ending February, it switched 107mn claims valued at R121bn, giving it a market share of about two-thirds. It also has a 40% market share across practices, including doctors, clinics, hospitals and auxiliary providers such as physiotherapists.