Socio-Economic Development and Enterprise Development Projects
Aligned with our vision, Medscheme's approach is to bring our knowledge, expertise and resources to bear to help solve the critical issues facing the healthcare industry in South Africa. We therefore actively support and promote government's 10-point plan for healthcare by investing in projects which are aligned with the plan.
The focus of Medscheme's Socio Economic Development (SED) and Enterprise Development (ED) projects is to support the revitalisation of public health facilities, and address the severe shortage of medical personnel in our country.
Enterprise Development (ED)
Medscheme is currently involved in the following projects:
Medscheme Empowering Doctors (MEDs)
The objective of our Medscheme Empowering Doctors (MEDs) programme is to assist recently qualified doctors from disadvantaged backgrounds in setting up successful private practices. The programme involves training, coaching and mentoring in business and financial management as well as financial assistance.
Eluthandweni Maternity Clinic
Based in the Kathorus area, this emerging enterprise faces many challenges. These include cash flow management, computer literacy and the keeping abreast of new developments within the healthcare sector.
Medscheme has partnered with the clinic by sponsoring much needed training and providing working capital. Our decision to support the clinic is aligned with Millennium Development Goals 4 (infant mortality), and 5 (maternal health).
Nursing Colleges
The reopening of nursing schools and colleges presents an opportunity for Medscheme to contribute to the development, financial and operational independence of privately owned nursing colleges. We are currently implementing a far-reaching programme to support black-owned nursing colleges to produce qualified and competent nurses. This, in turn, will help address the severe shortage of qualified healthcare professionals in the country.
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.
Development Cycling Team
Three years ago, Medscheme established a development cycling team comprising eight promising young cyclists from Soweto. We offer these youngsters an opportunity to realise their dream of becoming cycling professionals at 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
Johannesburg Hospital School caters for learners from Grades R to 12 who are admitted to hospital for extended treatment. The school makes it possible for learners to receive medical treatment without interrupting their education.
Medscheme has adopted the school as its flagship project and has funded the complete refurbishment and equipping of the school. We have also sponsored the installation of a custom designed playground which provides a safe environment for children with impaired immune systems.
Life College
Medscheme places a high priority on the education of South Africa's youth.
Life College is a non-profit organisation that focuses on developing psycho-social skills for young people necessary to build on their strengths and prepare them for success. We support 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 empower 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 nurse employed by Breede River Hospice.
The first 15 candidates graduated from the 12-month training programme on 21 October 2011.The programme is unit standard aligned which means learners may accumulate credits towards a formal qualification.
Revitalisation of Public Hospitals Programme
Medscheme supports the National Department of Health's strategy to revitalise public sector hospitals, which aims to build infrastructure and address the shortage of lifesaving equipment.
Our contributions to date include the following:
Somerset Hospital
Medscheme sponsored the purchase of a state-of-the-art incubator which will reduce infant mortality through temperature and respiratory support, as well as provide isolation from infection.
SA Air Mercy
A three-hour battery-life mobile incubator, vital for an air ambulance, was sponsored by Medscheme.
Leratong Hospital
Medscheme funded the cost of 22 examination beds, six resuscitation beds and medical equipment, as part of the refurbishment of the trauma unit at the hospital.
Staff Volunteerism
Medscheme is committed to giving back to the communities in which it operates and actively encourages volunteerism among employees.
As part of supporting Mandela Day on 18 July 2011, Medscheme employees were hard at work assisting Siyabonga Dorah's Ark Foundation in Roodepoort re-establishing their food garden. The supply of fresh vegetables will ensure nutrition for the 46 children cared for by the centre.
