Giving back is essential to the long-term prosperity of companies as it provides the opportunity to demonstrate the human face of business. As such, corporate social responsibility should be aligned with a company’s business strategy and its engagement with key stakeholder groups. It is about how businesses align their values and behaviour with the expectations of these stakeholders, as well as with society as a whole.

The healthcare industry in particular has many challenges to face, including critical healthcare personnel shortages, substandard public healthcare facilities and overwhelming community dependence. Aligned with Medscheme’s vision – to create a world of sustainable healthcare – they promote sustainability by actively supporting and investing in projects that are consistent with the objectives of government’s transformation plans for the industry.

Here are some of the projects that Medscheme has recently been involved in.

Social compact forum
Medscheme is proud to be a founder member of the Social Compact Forum (SCF), which was launched by the Department of Health to investigate ways in which the private sector could work with the government to bolster the state’s mission to fulfil key macro healthcare objectives.

The SCF set up a Public Health Enhancement Fund (PHEF) of which Medscheme is a contributor. Among other things, the fund provides financial support for medical and postgraduate research students.

Ukusebenza research facility
The facility is an enterprise development initiative towards which Medscheme has committed funding that will assist with the operational capacity of Ukusebenza, an SMME in the research sector.

The SMME has entered into an agreement with the University of Pretoria which outlines how the two entities will work together in contributing to the training of masters and PHD students for combating HIV/Aids and TB, one of PHEF’s primary objectives.

Nursing colleges
Medscheme continues to implement a programme to support black-owned nursing colleges. This far-reaching project also encompasses the refurbishment and equipping of the institutions to further the education of qualified and competent nurses. This in turn will help address the country’s shortage of qualified healthcare professionals.

Medscheme empowering doctors
This initiative aims to assist recently qualified doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds in setting up successful private practices. It does this through financial assistance, training, coaching and providing mentorship related to business and financial management.

A’Dare women’s wellness centre
This women’s wellness clinic is operated by Dr Kgomotso Mogapi (a former beneficiary of the Medscheme Empowering Doctors programme) and is located in Mabopane, Gauteng. The clinic focuses on encouraging healthy living, general wellness, early detection through screenings and lifestyle advice for women from nearby townships who generally have insufficient access to these vital and potentially life-saving services.

Eluthandweni maternity clinic
Medscheme continues to partner with this emerging enterprise in Kathorus, Gauteng. It assists by sponsoring essential training and working capital. Their decision to support the clinic is aligned with two of the Millennium Development Goals – namely addressing infant mortality and maternal health.

Revitalisation of public hospitals
Medscheme’s social development programme supports the Department of Health’s strategy to revitalise public sector hospitals through the donation of medical equipment. Its most recent donation was a portable ultrasound unit for Natalspruit Hospital, in Gauteng. The much-needed unit was handed over during a ceremony at the hospital on 4 December 2013.

Volunteerism
In addition Medscheme actively encourages employees to volunteer their time and energy during and outside working hours to approved projects. The annual Mandela Day, for example, offers an ideal opportunity for employees to give back to their community.

Sparrow Ministries was one of Medscheme’s beneficiaries in 2013. The ministry provides care and comfort to adults and children infected and/or affected by HIV/Aids. It operates a hospice for the terminally ill as well as a home for children who have been rendered homeless following the death of one or both parents.

These projects demonstrate Medscheme’s commitment to both good corporate citizenship and the sustainability of the healthcare industry.

Medscheme
Tel: +27 (0)11 671 2000
[email protected]
www.medscheme.com