NHC. was founded and started as an I. P. A. (Independent Practice Association) by 22 Medical Professionals based in Johannesburg. Created by Medical Professionals for Medical Professionals, the main aim of NHC was to empower the professionals at a time when reimbursement and managed care were challenging the medical professional's sustainability in South Africa. NHC comprises of two main medical networks. One network is the chain of NHC Health Centres and the other far larger network is the national network of branded medical service professionals, spanning from Cape Town to Musina & from Durban to De er and everything in between.