THE FINAL WORD
What impact has the coronavirus pandemic had on your industry, and how are you responding?
Neo Khauoe
Principal Officer, Polmed
“The healthcare industry is probably never going to be the same after COVID-19. The emphasis going forward is to ensure that we strengthen our healthcare system, both public and private, to ensure that we are ready for the next pandemic. Most importantly, we need to urgently ensure that all our citizens have universal access to quality healthcare services.
“The most basic thing to do during a pandemic like this one is timely dissemination of accurate information to members to avoid them relying on fake news, misinformation and other pieces of information designed to instill fear, confusion, and anxiety.
“Polmed has been running a robust educational campaign to educate and sensitize SAPS members about COVID-19. Since early March 2020, Polmed has consistently updated members via various media platforms, educating members about COVID-19, and updating them on their available benefits should they contract COVID-19.
“We are continuously engaging with all the relevant stakeholders, including SAPS management and our healthcare providers to see how best we can assist members and their dependents during this pandemic, so that they can continue rendering the essential service that the country needs.”
Emelia Adjei Managing Director, Royal Crown Packaging
“Royal Crown Packaging, like many other corrugating companies world- wide, has felt the impact of the pandemic in the areas of supply chain and sales at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic and its associated lockdown.
“As a packaging company, we have had to stay operational to serve the needs of not just the Ghanaian market, but also other African countries we supply, but of course ensuring all safety protocols are observed. We continue to run our skeletal and work from home model until such a time that all bans are lifted, and we are sure of their full safety to return to work. Similar strict safety protocols are extended to our visitors and transporters.”
Christian Roeder CEO, DP World Maputo
“We’ve been able to concentrate internally and make this as easy as possible for our employees by being as flexible as possible. There has been more time for housekeeping and reviewing processes, seeing where we can introduce technology and digitisation to make ourselves more efficient for clients, for example in the area of customs.
“The COVID crisis has proven we are stronger together, and I am convinced now that we are in a better position to grow when the time permits. We’ve also shown that we can prepare and respond to emergency situations, so if something else happens we are ready to deal with it in a way that keeps our people safe.”
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