Medical marvels
Much has been made of the South African government’s ambitious National Health Insurance (NHI) plan.
Designed to address the stifling inequality between public and private provision of medical services across the country, the scheme is built to open up access to those unable to afford expensive fees.
Many leading organisations are on board, not least the National Health Laboratory Service (NHLS). In this month’s cover story, we speak to Acting CEO Dr Karmani Chetty about the current challenges facing South Africa’s healthcare system, and how NHLS is providing vital lab services and research.
“NHI will ensure that everyone has access to appropriate efficient and quality health services,” she tells us.
“It is intended to bring about reform that will improve service provision and will promote equity and efficiency, so as to ensure that all South Africans can use affordable, quality healthcare services regardless of their socioeconomic status.”
Another state-backed entity, the Government Employees Medical Scheme, known as GEMS, is working to improve healthcare provision for South Africa’s government-employed citizens. In another exclusive interview, we put questions to Chief Operations Officer Stan Moloabi.
Our front of book features equally arrow in on health, starting with a look at the RBM Partnership to End Malaria, a consortium of 500 organisations working together to combat the mosquito-borne disease. We also spoke to global pharmaceutical giant Sanofi about its work to tackle tuberculosis, a major cause of fatality across the continent.
Beyond the realm of healthcare, this edition is packed full of exclusive content from companies across a multitude of sectors, including retail, agriculture, mining, construction, manufacturing and energy.
From automotive suppliers and second-hand retail franchises to mining engineering experts and textiles production specialists, this magazine is one of the most varied we have published in recent times.
Finally, be sure to read our business travel guides covering Malawi and Rwanda, the latter reaping the rewards of a partnership with English Premier League football club Arsenal.
Enjoy the issue!