Aligned with our vision, Medscheme’s approach is to apply our knowledge, expertise and resources to help solve the critical issues facing the healthcare industry in South Africa. We actively support and promote government’s 10 point plan for healthcare by investing in projects that are consistent with the objectives of the plan.

The Medscheme social development philosophy finds expression in Socio-Economic Development (SED) and Enterprise Development (ED) projects that support the revitalisation of public health facilities and help address the severe shortage of medical personnel in our country.

Enterprise Development (ED)

Enterprise Development is part of the Medscheme CSI and projects include:

Nursing colleges

The reopening of nursing schools and colleges presents an opportunity to contribute to the development of privately owned nursing colleges by enhancing their financial and operational independence. We are currently implementing a far-reaching programme to support black-owned nursing colleges. This project also encompasses the education of qualified and competent nurses to help address the shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in the country. The establishments we support include:

• Khanyisa Nursing School
• Ithemba Nursing Academy
• Future Nurses Nursing School

Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic

Medscheme has partnered with this emerging enterprise in Kathorus and assists by sponsoring much needed training and by providing working capital. Our decision to support the clinic is aligned with Millennium Development Goals 4 (infant mortality) and 5 (maternal health).

Medscheme Empowering Doctors (MEDs)

The objective of the Medscheme Empowering Doctors (MEDs) programme is to assist recently qualified doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds in setting up successful private practices. The programme offers financial assistance and involves training, coaching and mentoring in business and financial management.

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Socio-Economic Development (SED)

Medscheme's SED projects focus on the health and education of the youth, as well as the revitalisation of public healthcare facilities and the education of healthcare personnel.

Social Compact Forum

Medscheme is a signatory to the Social Compact Forum launched by the Minister of Health, Dr Aaron Motsoaledi on 8 November 2012. The Forum is a groundbreaking initiative through which government aims to guide discussions between the public and private healthcare sectors with a view to developing solutions to the major challenges facing the industry. The Forum comprises government as well as leading private healthcare companies represented by their CEOs and senior executives. One of the key features of Forum is the establishment of a public health enhancement fund (PHEF). The fund is expected to provide funding to support government to:

• Expand the intake of medical students;
• Support postgraduate students pursuing health-related studies;
• Build additional capacity in the management of Tuberculosis (TB), HIV and Aids; and
• Provide support to the newly established Leadership and Management Academy for Health.

This is a very positive development which is not only aligned with Medscheme's Vision but essential for the successful transformation of our industry.

Development Cycling Team

Four years ago, Medscheme established a development cycling team of eight promising young cyclists from Soweto. We offer these youngsters an opportunity to realise their dream of becoming cycling professionals at a national and international level. The team participates in events recognised by the International Cycling Union and Cycling South Africa, where they are gaining valuable exposure and experience. Two team members have already signed contracts with leading professional cycling teams in South Africa.

Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School

The Johannesburg Hospital School caters for learners from Grades R to 12 who are admitted to hospital for extended treatment. The school enables these learners to receive medical treatment without interrupting their education. In line with the Medscheme CSI policy, we assisted by funding the complete refurbishment and equipping of the school. We also sponsored the installation of a custom designed playground which provides a safe environment for children with impaired immune systems.

Life College

Life College is a non-profit organisation that develops the psycho-social skills necessary for young people to build on their strengths and prepare for success. Medscheme places a high priority on the education of South Africa's youth and supports Princess High School in Roodepoort by funding Life College's "Who Am I?" training programme.

Robertson Programme

Medscheme joined forces with Cape Women's Forum and Breede River Hospice in the Western Cape to form the Robertson Programme. The project empowers local farm workers to become first health contacts on the farms where they are employed. The training programme is overseen by the National Department of Health and includes theoretical and practical work sessions, as well as mentoring and supervision by a professional Breede River Hospice nurse. Learners are also able to accumulate credits towards a formal qualification.

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Revitalisation of Public Hospitals Programme

Medscheme social development supports the National Department of Health's strategy to revitalise public sector hospitals. This initiative aims to build much-needed infrastructure and address the shortage of lifesaving equipment. Our contributions to date include the following:

Somerset Hospital

Medscheme sponsored a state-of-the-art incubator, which provides isolation from infection and will reduce infant mortality through temperature and respiratory support.

SA Air Mercy

Medscheme sponsored a mobile incubator, vital for an air ambulance operated by the SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service (AMS). The mobile incubator assists in transporting premature infants under intensive care conditions and is suitable to operate without power for three hours.

Leratong Hospital

As part of the refurbishment of the trauma unit at the hospital, the Medscheme CSI initiatives funded the cost of 22 examination beds, six resuscitation beds and a variety of medical equipment.

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Voluntary employee involvement

Medscheme is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates and actively encourages employees to volunteer their time and energy. These are a few ways in which we demonstrate our commitment:

Mandela Days

In support of Mandela Day, Medscheme employees worked alongside the team at Siyabonga Dorah's Ark Foundation in Roodepoort to revive their food garden. The supply of fresh vegetables will ensure nutrition for the 46 children cared for by the centre. Medscheme employees also visited the young patients at the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Hospital School to present educational material to the school and gifts to the children.

Sibusisiwe Halfway House

Medscheme employees from Durban reached out to the community by cleaning and painting Sibusisiwe Halfway House, an orphanage in Botha's Hill that cares for 15 children.

Tygerbear

Medscheme employees in Cape Town recently opened their hearts to collect toys for the Tygerbear Foundation. The Tygerbear Foundation aids traumatised children and families at Tygerberg Hospital.

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