MedicalTelemedicine

Paying homage to SA’s doctors on National Doctor’s Day

South Africa is in the midst of a healthcare crisis. With a decaying and severely strained public healthcare system, combined with the restrictive regulations of the Medical Schemes Act and the NHI, a well-functioning, accessible, and quality healthcare system remains a pipe dream.

If medical professionals were sceptical about a bright healthcare future before, any glimmer of hope has now been dashed with the advent of the NHI. According to research conducted by trade union group Solidarity, 43% of healthcare workers would consider leaving South Africa if the NHI becomes a reality, and 83% believe that the scheme will drive medical professionals to emigrate.

Many of our doctors could be lost to other professions and countries. Without them, the health and wellbeing of our society will suffer, and so will our businesses. If doctors leave en masse, we won’t have anyone to insure, it’s as simple as that.

EthiQal cares about the future of medical care in South Africa and has a firm belief that doctors should be treasured as national assets. By collaborating with healthcare practitioners, their professional societies, the legal profession and government representatives, EthiQal aims to bring stability to the medico-legal landscape and to secure the future of the medical profession, while preserving and building medical care in the country for everyone’s benefit.

Inspired by this, EthiQal is launching the 2019 National Doctors’ Day campaign to acknowledge the critical role doctors play in meeting the healthcare needs of our nation.

National Doctors’ Day aims to create awareness around the need to support and appreciate doctors, and to assure them that their contributions to our lives are recognised and valued. Dr Bettina Taylor, senior risk specialist at EthiQal, echoes the campaign’s aspirations: “As the provider of South Africa’s first-ever homegrown occurrence-based medical indemnity solution, we believe it is our duty to champion an initiative that pays homage to our medical professionals and the work they do”.

Each year, EthiQal affords South Africans the opportunity to honour their doctors for the difference they have made to their lives. This year, EthiQal wishes to raise 1 000 “thank yous” for National Doctors’ Day and we’re calling on our brokers to help us drive this message.

EthiQal is asking all South Africans to share their stories in the hope that they could help shape the future of healthcare. R20 000 will be up for grabs for participants who share their stories and join EthiQal in #RaisingThankYous. To qualify, participants must submit their stories at www.doctorsday.co.za before 15 November 2019, or by sharing their stories on the Mark Pilgrim Show on Hot 91.9 FM between 09:00 and 12:00, in the week commencing 11 November 2019.

For more information, visit www.doctorsday.co.za.

Pin It on Pinterest