Obiflex Introduces Instalment Payment Model for GLP-1 Weight-Loss Treatment in South Africa
Obiflex Introduces Instalment Payment Model for GLP-1 Weight-Loss Treatment in South Africa. South African health management programme Obiflex has introduced a payment model that allows patients to spread the cost of registered, doctor-prescribed GLP-1 weight-loss medicines over fixed monthly instalments.
The move follows regulatory and legal action involving pharmacies that compounded GLP-1 medicines, a route that had provided lower-cost alternatives to some South Africans seeking weight-loss treatment.
According to Obiflex, registered GLP-1 treatments can cost between R3,000 and R6,000 a month, excluding consultations. The company said medical aid schemes typically cover around 50% of these costs and that coverage is generally linked to members with a diabetes diagnosis.
Obiflex’s three-month programme costs R1,499 per month over five payments, while its six-month programme costs R1,999 per month over nine payments.
The doctor-led programme includes a virtual doctor consultation, virtual health coaching, digital health tracking tools, weekly wellness advice and door-to-door delivery. Patients can access the programme through WhatsApp or the web.
Shaun Barns, co-founder and CEO of Obiflex, said affordability had contributed to demand for cheaper, unregistered compounded alternatives and that the company aims to provide a legitimate payment option alongside medical support.
Obiflex said it has partnered with a weight-loss medication pioneer and one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies. The programme is also backed by investment firm Grovest.
Barns co-founded Obiflex with Dr Riaz Motara, Jeff Miller and Moshe Unterslak. Motara, who specialises in the endocrinology and cardiology of weight management, has led training for the programme’s virtual doctor network.
The programme combines GLP-1 treatment with structured health coaching. Obiflex said its approach is intended to address weight management beyond the medicine itself.
The company said its model responds to demand for more affordable access to registered treatment while combining medication with medical support, coaching and digital health tools.
