Healthcare hitches penned
New publication by the KZN Business Women's Association tackles medical obstacles.
THE KwaZulu-Natal Business Women’s Association (BWA) on Monday launched its first healthcare publication titled, ‘Women Breaking Down Barriers’, at the head office of consumer goods giant, Unilever in Durban.
It features healthcare data relating to South African women as well as the views and opinions of 40 powerful women in leadership positions, including Uthungulu District Mayor and KZN First Lady Thembeka Mchunu.
Publication editor Farzanah Mall said leadership views from both the public and private sector is crucial in ‘bringing important health issues to the fore’.
‘The formation of public-private partnerships – such as the one between BWA and our sponsors of this puealblication – Unilever, ABSA, KPMG and Women of Africa – has never been more critical.
‘Finally we have a publication that provides economic insights into what women feel, think and want in healthcare, including our solutions to ensure an optimal functioning healthcare system for South Africa.
‘The statistics relating to women’s health in SA are startling,’ said Mall.
According to the BWA, the private sector caters for approximately 8.7 million (17%) of South Africans and utilises about R122-billion of national healthcare spend while the public sector cares for approximately 42 million (83%) South Africans and consumes R121-billion of the healthcare fiscus.
‘Today, healthcare systems around the world are experiencing an era of rapid and dramatic change as they struggle to cope with ageing populations, technological advances, rising expectations and spiraling costs,’ said KPMG Africa Health Team Senior Health Advisor Anuschka Coovadia.
‘Practical answers to difficult questions are needed, particularly in South Africa where we are in the midst of a quiet revolution in healthcare.’
The publication will be distributed to hospital groups, doctors and leaders in SA healthcare as well as at key events hosted by BWA.
An e-book version will also be made available online.
