At Maternidade Lucrecia Paim, a maternity hospital in Luanda, capital of Angola, an average of 150 babies are born a day during summer. This average drops to 70 babies per day in winter. It goes without saying that this facility’s oxygen supply should be efficient and effective enough to accommodate this volume. Sadly, for the past 2 years the hospital has had to rely on the use of oxygen cylinders to replace its malfunctioned Pressure Swing Adsorption Oxygen System (PSA) installed by a European company.
This has created untold challenges for the medical board and exorbitant expenditure for the purchase of bulk oxygen and cylinders. In October 2011, in line with Angola’s ongoing quest to rehabilitate its health care services, quality award winning South African company Intaka Tech and Angsam which is Intaka Tech Angolan partner, was called in to identify the problems, find solutions and ultimately improve the systems and facilities in a cost effective manner.
After an extensive investigation by Intaka Tech’s technical team, lead by Celso Dos Santos, Head of the Gas Department, a two phase approach was proposed. Dos Santos, says: “To remedy the present situation, the 1st phase would involve installing a medical pipeline connecting the hospitals main supply. This would then supply medical oxygen and medical air from the current PSA system which would become the primary supply for the hospital. A full maintenance check of the PSA’s systems and both compressors currently installed would be conducted. New control systems which include GPRS (Remote control of all parameters of the system), an Oxygen Analyzer, a Flow Meter, a Flow Control Valve and a Bacteriological Filter would also be installed.
Once that has been completed and systems are operational at acceptable levels, the 2nd phase would follow. This includes the installation of two brand new PSA Concentrators (Model 050). These units each produce 18 cubic metres per hour of oxygen, and by using these units in conjunction with the current air compressors already in existence, would produce 35% more oxygen than the current system (this is due to Intaka Tech's latest GGS technologies). A backup system in the form of a brand new oxygen filling compressor with a capacity to fill 8 - 12 oxygen cylinders per day would also be installed."
It was then with much pride, that in May 2012, Intaka Tech received the go ahead to proceed with Phase 1 and 2. Phase 1 was completely in July 2012 and the hospital, to the relief and delight of hospital staff and the medical board, was fully operational.
Phase 2 should be complete by September/October 2012. This will ultimately lead to the complete elimination of cylinders being purchased, allowing the hospital to produce their own gas, fill its own cylinders and distribute medical gas to all areas in the hospital.
Intaka Tech has over the past 5 years, more than 80 systems running in countries like South Africa and Namibia. With the professional expertise and the growing track record of Intaka Tech in Africa, the medical board of Maternidade Lucrecia Paim, by engaging with Angsam and Intaka Tech, has without doubt, proven success in all areas. Intaka Tech is confident that they have the solutions for many crises in other medical facilities throughout Africa.
Source: Intaka
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Health. Show all posts
Monday, September 3, 2012
Friday, August 3, 2012
Organ Transplant Scandal Shocks Germany
Germany's healthcare system is highly respected around the world, but a growing scandal over organ transplant fraud has sparked a fierce debate over medical ethics in the country. A doctor is suspected of tampering with his patients' records to push them to the top of the transplant list.
Germany is known for top-notch healthcare, but in recent weeks, the country's medical community has been deeply shaken by an organ transplant scandal that is fueling public distrust of doctors and the donor system.
A surgeon identified as Dr. Aiman O. is suspected of fraudulently manipulating dozens of his patients' test results, making them appear sicker than they were to get them liver transplants more quickly -- and possibly putting them ahead of people who more desperately needed them. The case first emerged in late July at the University Medical Center Göttingen, in the northern German state of Lower Saxony, from where the senior physician has been suspended since November for allegedly tampering with some 23 transplant cases. A gastroenterologist suspected of involvement has also been suspended.
This week, the scandal spread to include Dr. O.'s previous job at the University Hospital Regensburg in Bavaria between 2003 and 2008. There he is suspected of manipulating another 23 organ transplant cases. The hospital's surgical director there has also been suspended for possibly failing to properly supervise hospital activities, though he is not suspected of direct involvement.
But indications that the manipulation may have continued at the University Hospital Regensburg even after Dr. O.'s departure emerged on Friday, when daily Süddeutsche Zeitung reported between 2008 and 2009 the number of liver transplants skyrocketed by 40 percent, from 48 to 69.
"Such an increase is considered unusual," the paper wrote. "Even Germany's largest transplant center only transplants around 100 livers per year."
Medical Ethics Debate
State prosecutors in both Bavaria and Lower Saxony are working together to investigate the cases surrounding the 45-year-old doctor. In the meantime, public debate about medical ethics has been fierce. In this week's edition of SPIEGEL, Günther Kirste, head of the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO), said that over the course of the previous week three families had refused to donate a dead relative's organs "in consideration of the incidents in Göttingen."
The scandal is a serious setback in light of legislation passed earlier this summer to encourage organ donation in the country. The rate of organ donation is relatively low in Germany, which is ranked number 15 out of 24 countries in 2010 figures provided by the DSO, behind Spain, the US and France. Every eight hours a person in Germany reportedly dies needlessly because there are not enough donor organs.
Independent of the organ donation scandal in Göttingen and Regensburg, the first part of the new legislation went into effect on Aug. 1. It includes hiring transplant agents at hospitals to oversee and organize organ donations with patients and their families. New control mechanisms for the donor system, as well as improved rights and health benefits for donors will also be introduced.
The next wave of the new legislation will begin on Nov. 1, after which every German resident will eventually be asked to choose whether they wish to be an organ donor or not.
Source: SPIEGEL
Germany is known for top-notch healthcare, but in recent weeks, the country's medical community has been deeply shaken by an organ transplant scandal that is fueling public distrust of doctors and the donor system.
A surgeon identified as Dr. Aiman O. is suspected of fraudulently manipulating dozens of his patients' test results, making them appear sicker than they were to get them liver transplants more quickly -- and possibly putting them ahead of people who more desperately needed them. The case first emerged in late July at the University Medical Center Göttingen, in the northern German state of Lower Saxony, from where the senior physician has been suspended since November for allegedly tampering with some 23 transplant cases. A gastroenterologist suspected of involvement has also been suspended.
This week, the scandal spread to include Dr. O.'s previous job at the University Hospital Regensburg in Bavaria between 2003 and 2008. There he is suspected of manipulating another 23 organ transplant cases. The hospital's surgical director there has also been suspended for possibly failing to properly supervise hospital activities, though he is not suspected of direct involvement.
But indications that the manipulation may have continued at the University Hospital Regensburg even after Dr. O.'s departure emerged on Friday, when daily Süddeutsche Zeitung reported between 2008 and 2009 the number of liver transplants skyrocketed by 40 percent, from 48 to 69.
"Such an increase is considered unusual," the paper wrote. "Even Germany's largest transplant center only transplants around 100 livers per year."
Medical Ethics Debate
State prosecutors in both Bavaria and Lower Saxony are working together to investigate the cases surrounding the 45-year-old doctor. In the meantime, public debate about medical ethics has been fierce. In this week's edition of SPIEGEL, Günther Kirste, head of the German Organ Transplantation Foundation (DSO), said that over the course of the previous week three families had refused to donate a dead relative's organs "in consideration of the incidents in Göttingen."
The scandal is a serious setback in light of legislation passed earlier this summer to encourage organ donation in the country. The rate of organ donation is relatively low in Germany, which is ranked number 15 out of 24 countries in 2010 figures provided by the DSO, behind Spain, the US and France. Every eight hours a person in Germany reportedly dies needlessly because there are not enough donor organs.
Independent of the organ donation scandal in Göttingen and Regensburg, the first part of the new legislation went into effect on Aug. 1. It includes hiring transplant agents at hospitals to oversee and organize organ donations with patients and their families. New control mechanisms for the donor system, as well as improved rights and health benefits for donors will also be introduced.
The next wave of the new legislation will begin on Nov. 1, after which every German resident will eventually be asked to choose whether they wish to be an organ donor or not.
Source: SPIEGEL
Wednesday, March 28, 2012
Gabon Government Taps Into South Africa Solution To Solve Water Crisis
For most South Africans accessing safe, drinking water is as simple as opening a tap in their home. However in Gabon, residents in rural areas and the poorer suburbs of big cities have to walk several hundred metres to obtain water from more privileged neighbourhoods. Water pollution has exacerbated the situation.
To remedy the situation, the Government of Gabon has engaged with Intaka Tech through Intaka Tech’s Gabonese intermediary, to supply water treatment plants to serve the potable water needs of rural areas. (Drinking water or potable water is water pure enough to be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm.) These plants will provide an immediate and viable solution, due to their superior corrosion resistance and short installation and commissioning times. The units are easy to operate and maintain.
Intaka Tech CEO, Rodrigo Savoi says: "We are proud to be bringing clean water to rural areas in need and contributing to the future infrastructure of Gabon."
Intaka Tech will be supplying three water treatment plants to treat river water that will be installed and operational as of May 2012. Of the units sold, two have a production capacity of 25,000 litres an hour per unit which approximates to 1100,000 litres per day in total, while the third has a production capacity 6 000 litres an hour, equating to almost 130,000 litres per day.
The units will be shipped to Libreville and transported by rail and road to the central region of Gabon. Although Intaka Tech will supply these units, abstraction and onward distribution will be managed solely by the client.
Chairman of Intaka Tech, Dr Gastón Savoi says, "This is the beginning of a programme with the Government of Gabon that once again highlights the need to provide access to safe water in most African countries, particularly in their rural areas."
Source: Intaka
To remedy the situation, the Government of Gabon has engaged with Intaka Tech through Intaka Tech’s Gabonese intermediary, to supply water treatment plants to serve the potable water needs of rural areas. (Drinking water or potable water is water pure enough to be consumed or used with low risk of immediate or long term harm.) These plants will provide an immediate and viable solution, due to their superior corrosion resistance and short installation and commissioning times. The units are easy to operate and maintain.
Intaka Tech CEO, Rodrigo Savoi says: "We are proud to be bringing clean water to rural areas in need and contributing to the future infrastructure of Gabon."
Intaka Tech will be supplying three water treatment plants to treat river water that will be installed and operational as of May 2012. Of the units sold, two have a production capacity of 25,000 litres an hour per unit which approximates to 1100,000 litres per day in total, while the third has a production capacity 6 000 litres an hour, equating to almost 130,000 litres per day.
The units will be shipped to Libreville and transported by rail and road to the central region of Gabon. Although Intaka Tech will supply these units, abstraction and onward distribution will be managed solely by the client.
Chairman of Intaka Tech, Dr Gastón Savoi says, "This is the beginning of a programme with the Government of Gabon that once again highlights the need to provide access to safe water in most African countries, particularly in their rural areas."
Source: Intaka
Wednesday, March 14, 2012
A sick system abuses its refugees
South Africa's tourism website describes the country as the "land of good times and friendly people". Sadly, Araya Y, a pregnant Somali refugee living in Port Elizabeth, did not experience this side of the country. Instead, when she went to a government district hospital in July 2010 to give birth, she was abused by medical staff and denied care. "The nurse spoke to me disrespectfully," Araya said. "She called me 'kwerekwere' [a slur meaning foreigner]." Araya waited for more than four hours, alone and in pain, but no one examined her or helped her. Fearing that she might die, she left and sought help from a private hospital where she had to pay for care that she could ill afford.
South Africa is regarded as Africa's land of opportunity. Since the end of apartheid and the election of a democratic government the country has been a sought-after destination for migrants and refugees from across the continent and beyond, who are seeking better economic prospects, or fleeing oppression, war and conflict in countries such as Araya's. But in recent years South Africa's friendliness has been heavily tested by large numbers of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, mainly from neighbouring Zimbabwe, entering the country.
Sadly, the situation for migrants in South Africa is often precarious and sometimes dangerous. Refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants face hostility and violence from local communities and discrimination by government institutions. Human Rights Watch's research shows that they face discrimination in public health facilities and abuse from healthcare providers just because they are foreigners. The South African government, instead of addressing these problems, has taken policy steps that risk worsening the human rights abuses that asylum seekers and migrants already face.
The government, for example, amended the Refugees Act to reduce the time -- from 14 to 5 days -- that asylum seekers have to report to a refugee reception office after entering South Africa. In line with plans to move all refugee registration to far-flung border towns near Mozambique and Zimbabwe, it has also shut down two offices, in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, although the courts recently ordered the government to reconsider its closure of the Johannesburg office and to reopen the one in Port Elizabeth. The government is also considering withdrawing the work and study rights of asylum seekers, leaving them far more vulnerable to destitution than before.
Araya's experience is not unique to migrants in South Africa, unfortunately. Many South Africans who rely on the public health system are routinely verbally and physically abused, neglected or denied care by health workers, and their lives are endangered by other systemic failures in healthcare delivery.
South Africa's obligation to provide healthcare to non-citizens within its borders presents a serious challenge in terms of resources, administration and service delivery, especially for a health system that struggles to meet the needs of its own citizens. But the health needs of migrants and citizens are intertwined. The consequences for South Africa of failing to treat migrants adequately, both in terms of its legal commitments and the public health and cohesiveness of a multi ethnic South African society strained by xenophobia, cannot be ignored.
South Africa's constitutional and international human rights obligations require it to provide access to healthcare for everyone within its borders, including refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis put whole populations at risk and South African citizens become more vulnerable when diseases are not properly detected and treated among their foreign-born neighbours. When care is denied or delayed, for example to pregnant women or those in labour, they can develop complications that are costlier to treat. Also, short- and long-term disability causes migrants who would otherwise be independent and productive to become economically dependent on South African resources.
The government's efforts to reform the health sector offer an excellent opportunity to address some of the gaps in healthcare for migrants. A good place to start is the national health insurance policy paper. The government should ensure that the document clearly spells out the healthcare entitlement for refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, insisting that the protections provided to these groups adhere to the South African Constitution and international human rights law.
The draft policy paper, which was closed for public comment in December, lacks these provisions. If it goes into effect as is, it risks making refugees and asylum seekers more vulnerable to illness and disease, derailing the achievement of universal health coverage and impeding the government's vision of a "long and healthy life for all South Africans".
Araya was able to reach another hospital where she delivered safely. Not everyone who is refused healthcare at institutions in South Africa is as lucky as Araya, though. As the country works to improve its healthcare system, it should make sure that migrants, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants are included.
Only an inclusive system can ensure the health and survival of all those living in South Africa.
Source: Human Rights Watch
South Africa is regarded as Africa's land of opportunity. Since the end of apartheid and the election of a democratic government the country has been a sought-after destination for migrants and refugees from across the continent and beyond, who are seeking better economic prospects, or fleeing oppression, war and conflict in countries such as Araya's. But in recent years South Africa's friendliness has been heavily tested by large numbers of refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, mainly from neighbouring Zimbabwe, entering the country.
Sadly, the situation for migrants in South Africa is often precarious and sometimes dangerous. Refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants face hostility and violence from local communities and discrimination by government institutions. Human Rights Watch's research shows that they face discrimination in public health facilities and abuse from healthcare providers just because they are foreigners. The South African government, instead of addressing these problems, has taken policy steps that risk worsening the human rights abuses that asylum seekers and migrants already face.
The government, for example, amended the Refugees Act to reduce the time -- from 14 to 5 days -- that asylum seekers have to report to a refugee reception office after entering South Africa. In line with plans to move all refugee registration to far-flung border towns near Mozambique and Zimbabwe, it has also shut down two offices, in Johannesburg and Port Elizabeth, although the courts recently ordered the government to reconsider its closure of the Johannesburg office and to reopen the one in Port Elizabeth. The government is also considering withdrawing the work and study rights of asylum seekers, leaving them far more vulnerable to destitution than before.
Araya's experience is not unique to migrants in South Africa, unfortunately. Many South Africans who rely on the public health system are routinely verbally and physically abused, neglected or denied care by health workers, and their lives are endangered by other systemic failures in healthcare delivery.
South Africa's obligation to provide healthcare to non-citizens within its borders presents a serious challenge in terms of resources, administration and service delivery, especially for a health system that struggles to meet the needs of its own citizens. But the health needs of migrants and citizens are intertwined. The consequences for South Africa of failing to treat migrants adequately, both in terms of its legal commitments and the public health and cohesiveness of a multi ethnic South African society strained by xenophobia, cannot be ignored.
South Africa's constitutional and international human rights obligations require it to provide access to healthcare for everyone within its borders, including refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants. Communicable diseases such as tuberculosis put whole populations at risk and South African citizens become more vulnerable when diseases are not properly detected and treated among their foreign-born neighbours. When care is denied or delayed, for example to pregnant women or those in labour, they can develop complications that are costlier to treat. Also, short- and long-term disability causes migrants who would otherwise be independent and productive to become economically dependent on South African resources.
The government's efforts to reform the health sector offer an excellent opportunity to address some of the gaps in healthcare for migrants. A good place to start is the national health insurance policy paper. The government should ensure that the document clearly spells out the healthcare entitlement for refugees, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants, insisting that the protections provided to these groups adhere to the South African Constitution and international human rights law.
The draft policy paper, which was closed for public comment in December, lacks these provisions. If it goes into effect as is, it risks making refugees and asylum seekers more vulnerable to illness and disease, derailing the achievement of universal health coverage and impeding the government's vision of a "long and healthy life for all South Africans".
Araya was able to reach another hospital where she delivered safely. Not everyone who is refused healthcare at institutions in South Africa is as lucky as Araya, though. As the country works to improve its healthcare system, it should make sure that migrants, asylum seekers and undocumented migrants are included.
Only an inclusive system can ensure the health and survival of all those living in South Africa.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Intaka Tech Gets Gold In Geneva
At the 14th annual Century International Quality ERA Convention in Geneva on 11 March 2012, Proudly South African company Intaka Tech received a Gold Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D) award. The company was selected to win the prestigious award by a jury comprising of leaders of previously awarded companies from around the world together with a panel of international experts in the field of business communication.
At the 14th annual Century International Quality ERA Convention in Geneva on 11 March 2012, Proudly South African company Intaka Tech received a Gold Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D) award. The company was selected to win the prestigious award by a jury comprising of leaders of previously awarded companies from around the world together with a panel of international experts in the field of business communication.
Intaka Tech, which manufactures mobile water purification plants and gas generation units, won the award for its leadership and business management excellence along with its expertise in technology, innovation and expansion.
Uruguayan businessman and entrepreneur Dr Gastón Savoi established Intaka Tech in South Africa in 2004. The company has contributed to the production of fresh water for millions of Africans that have been denied access to this resource due to inaccessible or contaminated sources. It has also created mobile gas generating units to tackle the lack of readily available medical air and oxygen in outlying rural hospitals and clinics. Today, over 200 Intaka Tech water purification plants and gas generating systems are in operation in various hospitals and rural communities in South America and Southern Africa.
The founder and chairman of the company shares, “We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver the highest quality products and services to our clients. All of our products are manufactured against a formal, documented management framework that complies with the internationally recognised ISO9001:2008 standard as well as all other relevant industry regulations and criteria. We recognise the importance of monitoring our quality management systems as it is through continual review that we can identify improvements to be made to our products and services.”
The company has been certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) since 2008 and by the International Organisation for Standardisation for Quality Management. In addition, all of Intaka Tech’s Gas Generation Systems (GGS) have been certified by TUV Rheinland – a global provider of technical, safety and certification services.
Intaka Tech CEO, Rodrigo Savoi and Knowledge Katti, MD of Intaka Technology Namibia, were among the hundreds of distinguished business representatives, members of the media and diplomatic corps who attended the Convention from all over the world. Savoi says, “Winning this award has set a positive tone for the year. We are incredibly proud to have won and are equally proud to offer these lifesaving products to those in need.”
Source: Intaka
At the 14th annual Century International Quality ERA Convention in Geneva on 11 March 2012, Proudly South African company Intaka Tech received a Gold Business Initiative Directions (B.I.D) award. The company was selected to win the prestigious award by a jury comprising of leaders of previously awarded companies from around the world together with a panel of international experts in the field of business communication.
Intaka Tech, which manufactures mobile water purification plants and gas generation units, won the award for its leadership and business management excellence along with its expertise in technology, innovation and expansion.
Uruguayan businessman and entrepreneur Dr Gastón Savoi established Intaka Tech in South Africa in 2004. The company has contributed to the production of fresh water for millions of Africans that have been denied access to this resource due to inaccessible or contaminated sources. It has also created mobile gas generating units to tackle the lack of readily available medical air and oxygen in outlying rural hospitals and clinics. Today, over 200 Intaka Tech water purification plants and gas generating systems are in operation in various hospitals and rural communities in South America and Southern Africa.
The founder and chairman of the company shares, “We pride ourselves on our ability to deliver the highest quality products and services to our clients. All of our products are manufactured against a formal, documented management framework that complies with the internationally recognised ISO9001:2008 standard as well as all other relevant industry regulations and criteria. We recognise the importance of monitoring our quality management systems as it is through continual review that we can identify improvements to be made to our products and services.”
The company has been certified by the South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) since 2008 and by the International Organisation for Standardisation for Quality Management. In addition, all of Intaka Tech’s Gas Generation Systems (GGS) have been certified by TUV Rheinland – a global provider of technical, safety and certification services.
Intaka Tech CEO, Rodrigo Savoi and Knowledge Katti, MD of Intaka Technology Namibia, were among the hundreds of distinguished business representatives, members of the media and diplomatic corps who attended the Convention from all over the world. Savoi says, “Winning this award has set a positive tone for the year. We are incredibly proud to have won and are equally proud to offer these lifesaving products to those in need.”
Source: Intaka
Thursday, October 13, 2011
South Africa: Environment Included in Consumer Protection Act
The Consumer Protection Act (CPA), which came into effect on 1 April 2011 includes the regulation of goods and services with actual or potential environmental and/or health impacts. The obligation to provide information in respect of potential or actual environmental or health impacts of goods or services is covered by CPA regulation. "The CPA requires that the information which is accurate and not misleading or deceptive must be disclosed in plain language on product labels and in descriptions of goods (trade descriptions) and in the course of marketing goods and services, where appropriate," says Helen Dagut, a senior associate at Cliffe Dekker Hofmeyr business law firm.
The CPA also imposes the obligation to provide customers with safe, good quality goods. "Suppliers are required to alert consumers to potential risks associated with goods or services, which may include environmental or health risks. Where not labelled in terms of the requirements of other legislation, hazardous or "unsafe" goods (defined to include those which potentially present hazards or may be unsafe to persons or property) are required to meet specified packing standards. Suppliers or installers of hazardous or unsafe goods such as batteries or aerosols which have a risk of explosion, must supply information in respect of the hazards to the consumer," explains Dagut.
The CPA regulations also include the obligation on suppliers to not knowingly take advantage of the fact that a consumer is unable to protect his or her own interests because of, among other things, ignorance of the true facts relating to a product. "If a supplier behaves in this way it is considered "unconscionable" as that term is defined in the CPA. Relying on this provision, a group of South African consumers has laid a complaint with the Consumer Commissioner in respect of the treatment of pigs and chickens in factory farms, about which, they allege, the South African public is given insufficient information."
Dagut says that obligations are also imposed in respect of the recovery and safe disposal of goods (for example electronic goods) which cannot be disposed of along with other wastes, which are likely to include those with the potential to harm the environment, for the example through leaching of toxic substances. "Specifically, suppliers must accept their return (including of their parts/remnants) from the consumer, without charging the consumer, irrespective of whether the supplier supplied the particular returned object to that particular consumer. Producers, importers and distributors of such goods must accept their return from the suppliers.
These provisions are consistent with those requiring extended producer responsibility under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act," she explains. The producer, importer, distributor or retailer of goods is liable for harm, including damage to property, caused by the supply of unsafe goods, hazards in any goods or inadequate instructions or warnings provided to the consumer in respect of hazards arising from the goods, irrespective of whether the harm resulted from any negligence on the producer, importer, distributor or retailer. Claims for damages under this section prescribe after three years in specified circumstances. "The promulgation of the CPA therefore results in an additional layer of obligations in respect of goods or services with potential or actual hazards or risks to consumers and/or the environment being imposed, which are required to be complied with in addition to other obligations for environmental protection prescribed under environmental laws.
Consumers may enforce their rights, and have begun to do so, where producers and suppliers are failing to do so," Dagut adds.
Source: All Africa
The CPA also imposes the obligation to provide customers with safe, good quality goods. "Suppliers are required to alert consumers to potential risks associated with goods or services, which may include environmental or health risks. Where not labelled in terms of the requirements of other legislation, hazardous or "unsafe" goods (defined to include those which potentially present hazards or may be unsafe to persons or property) are required to meet specified packing standards. Suppliers or installers of hazardous or unsafe goods such as batteries or aerosols which have a risk of explosion, must supply information in respect of the hazards to the consumer," explains Dagut.
The CPA regulations also include the obligation on suppliers to not knowingly take advantage of the fact that a consumer is unable to protect his or her own interests because of, among other things, ignorance of the true facts relating to a product. "If a supplier behaves in this way it is considered "unconscionable" as that term is defined in the CPA. Relying on this provision, a group of South African consumers has laid a complaint with the Consumer Commissioner in respect of the treatment of pigs and chickens in factory farms, about which, they allege, the South African public is given insufficient information."
Dagut says that obligations are also imposed in respect of the recovery and safe disposal of goods (for example electronic goods) which cannot be disposed of along with other wastes, which are likely to include those with the potential to harm the environment, for the example through leaching of toxic substances. "Specifically, suppliers must accept their return (including of their parts/remnants) from the consumer, without charging the consumer, irrespective of whether the supplier supplied the particular returned object to that particular consumer. Producers, importers and distributors of such goods must accept their return from the suppliers.
These provisions are consistent with those requiring extended producer responsibility under the National Environmental Management: Waste Act," she explains. The producer, importer, distributor or retailer of goods is liable for harm, including damage to property, caused by the supply of unsafe goods, hazards in any goods or inadequate instructions or warnings provided to the consumer in respect of hazards arising from the goods, irrespective of whether the harm resulted from any negligence on the producer, importer, distributor or retailer. Claims for damages under this section prescribe after three years in specified circumstances. "The promulgation of the CPA therefore results in an additional layer of obligations in respect of goods or services with potential or actual hazards or risks to consumers and/or the environment being imposed, which are required to be complied with in addition to other obligations for environmental protection prescribed under environmental laws.
Consumers may enforce their rights, and have begun to do so, where producers and suppliers are failing to do so," Dagut adds.
Source: All Africa
Friday, January 21, 2011
Dr Gaston Savoi - Executive Profile
Uruguayan business man and entrepreneur Dr Gaston Savoi speaks candidly about his decision to immigrate to South Africa, his commitment to investing in the country and despite the legal battle he now faces, optimism about the future.
When an astute businessman sees opportunity in a boisterous and emerging economy, he is likely to explore his options for investment. When a man persuades his family, colleagues and friends to invest their lives and livelihoods in a country, it is no longer a cool, calculated risk but a matter of the heart. Dr Gaston Savoi has lived in France, Brazil and Argentina, due to his father being transferred to these countries for business and finally settled in Uruguay. Dr Savoi speaks fluent English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish and considers himself a "proudly world citizen". What then drew him to South Africa?
The roots of his life-changing decision lie in what he sees as a bond between South America and South Africa that may be separated by the Atlantic, but on all other counts, are "blood brothers".
"There is a connection on a deep level" he says. "Africa loves colours, loves music. Africa speaks loudly. The people are friendly. They open the doors of their homes to you. We in South America are very similar to South Africa. We have a lot of influence from Africa in culture and in our genetic heritage. I believe this gives us a close understanding."
His gestures are open and expansive when he speaks. It is only part of his charisma. The rest is down to what, in old fashioned terms, might be called a "dapper" style; a combination of sartorial elegance, urbane manner and a deep voice that takes English and turns it into a rich, allegorical narrative. He grins under a slightly rakish moustache and there it is; the portrait of a man whose handshake and characteristic embrace signals the beginning of both a friendship and a business partnership.
This is the same Savoi who, back in 1973 at the age of 21 years old, boldly brokered a financial deal for a small company with great ideas but no capital. To this day, 37 years later, he remains close friends with the founders.
Dr Savoi obtained his degree in Sao Pablo, Brazil, married Gilda Brant de Carvalho and in the years to follow, would take the first steps in developing pharmaceutical factories that manufactured raw materials for human and veterinary use, making key breakthrough in research and development, and becoming a world player in the field. These ventures formed the initial basis to his growing wealth.
As a couple, he and Gilda also founded the first Arabian horse insemination laboratory in Uruguay. Life for the couple was about balance - the practical, the aesthetic and the emotional, which included starting a family. Their three sons, Philippe, Rodrigo and Guillermo and daughter Carolina ultimately joined the family business and by the mid 90s, South Africa was firmly on their radar as a frequent holiday destination. The bush, Cape Town and its people had begun to work its magic.
"When an aeroplane arrives in South Africa, you see this sun coming up and reflecting the clouds. Before you put a foot on the continent you are starting to fall in love with it," he says. The process, which he says begins as an "infatuation", turns to something deeper. Beyond the bush, animal life and the lure big-sky country, Dr Savoi was acutely aware that South Africa offered something much more.
"It's a country with a history and a fantastic infrastructure," he adds. "South Africa for me is a First World country but with everything that you can get from the wild. You are able to go anywhere in two hours," gesturing with his arms opened wide to reinforce the point. "A few kilometres and I am in the middle of the bush, the mountains, game reserves, rivers and deserts. There is no other country I know of that has the versatility and diversity in one place."
"I have an open mind to different cultures, to appreciate different roots, and made the decision to live here and not just be in transit."
At the same time, Dr Savoi was seeing the beginning of what he describes as "cracks" in the banking system in South America and a growing instability there. "What we are experiencing now as a result of what is happening in Europe and North America, South America felt in 2000." Dr Savoi felt that he was in what he calls a "poll" position and ahead was an open track that led, quite obviously, to an emerging economy with intriguing potential.
But no business decision is made in this family without consultation.
"You always need to think in terms of family," he says. The Savoi family is extremely close with major business and life decisions taken around a table not a boardroom. Dr Savoi felt that they were all turning a significant corner and that they needed to be pro-active about their futures. They had already experienced the inexorable pull of South Africa through their world traveller's eyes but he says, "sometimes, destiny shows the way to a move and chooses the moment. I considered the age of my daughter and my three sons. They would look to get married some day and that maybe it was the time for us to take what was not an easy decision but neither was it a tough one. After all, I was not going to mine gold in the Yukon! They saw the scenario through the same eyes and I proceeded to motivate the move to invest in South Africa."
Gaston Savoi did not come empty handed.
With 37 years working in the health industry in manufacturing pharmaceutical API's (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) Savoi's companies also manufactured water purification systems and mobile gas generating units. He saw the opportunity to set up a company in South Africa, attracting foreign investment and contribute to the national production of a vital product that had the potential to change the lives of millions of South Africans denied access to fresh water because of inaccessible or contaminated sources. There was another product that the Group had developed in South America that would save lives. One of the big problems faced by countries with an outlying rural population that relied on smaller hospitals and clinics for health care, was the ready availability of medical air and oxygen. Transporting cylinders to outlying areas in South America on poor roads and at the vagaries of frequent strikes left the rural population vulnerable. Units that generate medical oxygen and medical air on site meant avoiding the risks related to non-delivery of a vital resource. The system also has a positive impact on the environment (as shown in an European study) as CO2 is reduced by reducing the transportation of cylinders.
But these plans lay in the future.
First came the Savoi family's move here, one that puzzled many well heeled South Africans whose children were members of the white diaspora to the UK, Australia and the US. For here was a man with wealth and the privilege of choice, deciding to commit everything to a country with what had, at best an "uncertain future".
Savoi simply didn"t see the new South Africa this way.
"I took a decision and my immediate family supported the decision.
That has as a lot to do with his role within the family. "To be a father is naturally a result of biological process, but to be friend to your sons, and vice versa, that is something that needs to be cultivated. To keep the respect between the generations is not easy unless there are no fences and no walls. It is the same relationship that I have with my father. I am not embarrassed to say that it is about real love."
Although the plans were to bring his immediate family to a new continent and a new life, it was not without some pain. "You need to remember that it did not include my extended family - father, my mother, my mother in law, my father in law here, and my sister - therefore it was a tough decision - but less tough if you combine it with taking what you feel deep down, is the right decision. I am sure that I took it."
This growing set of ties to South Africa – including an application for permanent residence for his whole family - underpinned Savoi's first significant commitment in putting down roots. In 2001, the Group bought a 50% share (R150 million rand investment) in Shamwari Holdings through foreign investment, later to be known as the Mantis Collection of Boutique Hotels and Game Reserves, the world renowned hospitality group that included Shamwari Game Reserve established by Adrian Gardiner. The partnership with Gardiner also had financial implications. With no track record in South Africa, the Group had no credit line with local banks, making foreign investment crucial going forward. Although the family had farming in their blood, Savoi had no personal experience in the hospitality industry and running a game reserve. He saw the move as a chance to hand over his core business to his children and take up a personal challenge, moving not to a new career per se, but more of an active "retirement". "To have gypsy spirit, does not mean that you are gypsy. To say that you"re a world citizen that does not mean that you don"t have roots." In true Savoi style, the initial connection with Shamwari was indirect. On a flight to SA, he struck up a conversation with fellow passenger Peter Fleck (former rugby player Robbie Fleck's father).
In the conversation that ensued, one that ranged from family to business and Savoi's growing feelings for South Africa, was the subject of a game lodge. Peter became the catalyst to a series of meetings both in South Africa and South America, with amongst others Dr Ian Player. "I always think that it's very important when you intend to take a step like that, to know where people are coming from and how they do business. It's a matter of logic – and culture. But also the differences are important. I always say “what happens to the red if everybody likes the blue”?
A gentleman's agreement then led to a due diligence report, a formal partnership and a mounting excitement about potential new markets, resulting from one of his son's astute comment that South American tourism to SA, was largely neglected. There was much to be done to foster stronger ties.
Business ties established, and a future vision mapped out, the Group went on to further develop the historic Steenberg Estate in Constantia and the 54 000 hectare Sanbona Wildlife Reserve at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo. The reserve's white lion project, was given world coverage through Animal planet and it's one which Savoi is justifiably proud of to this day.
The SA lifestyle proved an irresistible force. "We live a supposed 650 thousand hours," says Savoi, "that is our life. I am clear that some of these hours need to be enjoyed during our journey here."
It was a journey on many levels and not simply a destination.
Although the Group successfully sold their shares back to Adrian Gardiner in 2005, Dr Savoi continued to pursue the core business that he had established in South America; water purification, oxygen and health products.
"We brought our technology and our intellectual property through foreign investment to the country - and to the continent. With this, came the will and the effort to build a fantastic first world nutritional plant," says Dr Savoi. "Over the years with Mantis, I had the honour and the opportunity to meet many important players in the South African government and was guided by them on of how to deal with government as a supplier. We understood absolutely that we needed to go through a process. It is something we understand because we have had a similar scenario for decades in Brazil. We not only understand the system but respect what is a natural empowerment, because we believe in our culture there can not be no more colonialism. We are not an orange to be squeezed, to take the juice from the orange and take the seeds. If you want to come to enjoy a country and its benefits for today, tomorrow and the future you must have respect for the local owners of the country. I take my authority from South Africa but it stops in front of you," deferring to the laws and customs of the country.
"I am not a citizen. I can"t vote. Therefore, I must respect you, I must be diplomatic. I must respect the country's policy of Black Economic Empowerment. We needed to have South African partners who could add real value to the process but to get government work required networking."
There is no doubt that the government tender process, now under such intense scrutiny, is a complicated one. The right partners, the processes to follow, the legitmacy of commissions paid for work secured, is integral to Dr Savoi's current challenges. What happens now, and in the years it may take to untangle what Dr Savoi calls a "spagetti putanesca", must take his course. He contuines to appear in court at hearings with dignity, having endured what appeared to be a highly irregular decision to keep him jailed for several days in Kimberley, and despite having posted substantial bail.
"It is a "live and learn" scenario he believes. "What if I could have imagined that all our trust and effort would be challenged because we followed the created rules of the country." He lets the notion hang. "One thing I am deeply sure of is that we have not done anything wrong. I did not only bring my family here remember, but motivated other families and foreign investors to come here too. These families and investors came trusting me because some of them have been working for me for 10, 20 years. They came here to transfer skills and add value to the country, then married here and have South African babies. I myself have six Proudly South African grandchildren.
"If you ask me today where I think I failed, I say this; I am not a perfect man but I am a perfectionsit. I think that I failed as you fail when you are in love. When you are in love all that strong sentiment creates a weakness somewhere. There are two issues at play here; the first one is that I definitely underestimated the strong power of a monopoly, in the country."
Dr Savoi saw that there were major opportunities and alternatives to a single supplier of services and a commodity. "I did not ever see our company as a substitute monopoly. It's simply not in our culture, in our South American history. We are born as a nationalist people. I saw the opportunity then to produce our equipment here instead of importing it from South America. We empowered many people in this country and directly employed 150. Sadly, we have recently had to retrench 60% of our staff.
"Suddenly," says Dr Savoi, "we appear to have crossed a road that is not allowed to be crossed, but nobody warned us."
Dr Savoi's second caveat has to do with not knowing enough about a local network to do business.
"I am sure that if you were to invest in Brazil, because you love the country, its people, its spirit, the friendship, the music - you love everything - and you decide that by using your skills, you could reduce poverty … but that you have to have a "national power" base to do so, you would take advice. "The advice would be to find strategic partners, and offer strategic shares in your company. You would ask what key people to be introduced to and someone – because you do not know yourself – would choose the right people you should know. You would be reliant on this strategic advice. And obviously one conducts business strictly in accordance with the law and on advice of the professional advisers of the company:- lawyers and auditors."
By all accounts, this is the pattern that Dr Savoi followed on advice from those "in the know" and which is now the subject of his pending court case. "I am a businessman but it seems to me that I have become part of a witch hunt."
The docket that started the ball rolling happened to be from one of Dr Savoi's direct competitors. "How is it, "he asks, "that you can be part of a national tender for business when you are the sole supplier of the goods and services?"
Despite the fight Dr Savoi still has to face over the coming months he remains optimistic about his future here.
"We intend to stay here, to contribute to what we can. We have other projects in the pipeline besides water purification plants and gas generation units. We have our work to carry out bringing skills and intellectual property to help factories reduce the relience on importations. The goal is self dependence."
"I have immense respect for South Africans and what they have achieved but sometimes I feel that perhaps people cannot see what they have, what they have built. One day, the whole world will understand what we (South Africa) have. Perhaps you cannot see what you have until you lose it. You need to take stock. I did. And what I understood, what I saw - and still do - is a deep synergy with my vision of things and what can be achieved in this country."
Please direct all questions in writing to Lynn Giles - lynng@draftfcb.co.za. Dr Savoi is currently not available for comment or interviews.
For further information regarding the current court case, please forward your requests in writing to Rachelle Bricout of Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs - rachelle@create-a-stir.co.za
Source: Intaka
When an astute businessman sees opportunity in a boisterous and emerging economy, he is likely to explore his options for investment. When a man persuades his family, colleagues and friends to invest their lives and livelihoods in a country, it is no longer a cool, calculated risk but a matter of the heart. Dr Gaston Savoi has lived in France, Brazil and Argentina, due to his father being transferred to these countries for business and finally settled in Uruguay. Dr Savoi speaks fluent English, Portuguese, French, Italian and Spanish and considers himself a "proudly world citizen". What then drew him to South Africa?
The roots of his life-changing decision lie in what he sees as a bond between South America and South Africa that may be separated by the Atlantic, but on all other counts, are "blood brothers".
"There is a connection on a deep level" he says. "Africa loves colours, loves music. Africa speaks loudly. The people are friendly. They open the doors of their homes to you. We in South America are very similar to South Africa. We have a lot of influence from Africa in culture and in our genetic heritage. I believe this gives us a close understanding."
His gestures are open and expansive when he speaks. It is only part of his charisma. The rest is down to what, in old fashioned terms, might be called a "dapper" style; a combination of sartorial elegance, urbane manner and a deep voice that takes English and turns it into a rich, allegorical narrative. He grins under a slightly rakish moustache and there it is; the portrait of a man whose handshake and characteristic embrace signals the beginning of both a friendship and a business partnership.
This is the same Savoi who, back in 1973 at the age of 21 years old, boldly brokered a financial deal for a small company with great ideas but no capital. To this day, 37 years later, he remains close friends with the founders.
Dr Savoi obtained his degree in Sao Pablo, Brazil, married Gilda Brant de Carvalho and in the years to follow, would take the first steps in developing pharmaceutical factories that manufactured raw materials for human and veterinary use, making key breakthrough in research and development, and becoming a world player in the field. These ventures formed the initial basis to his growing wealth.
As a couple, he and Gilda also founded the first Arabian horse insemination laboratory in Uruguay. Life for the couple was about balance - the practical, the aesthetic and the emotional, which included starting a family. Their three sons, Philippe, Rodrigo and Guillermo and daughter Carolina ultimately joined the family business and by the mid 90s, South Africa was firmly on their radar as a frequent holiday destination. The bush, Cape Town and its people had begun to work its magic.
"When an aeroplane arrives in South Africa, you see this sun coming up and reflecting the clouds. Before you put a foot on the continent you are starting to fall in love with it," he says. The process, which he says begins as an "infatuation", turns to something deeper. Beyond the bush, animal life and the lure big-sky country, Dr Savoi was acutely aware that South Africa offered something much more.
"It's a country with a history and a fantastic infrastructure," he adds. "South Africa for me is a First World country but with everything that you can get from the wild. You are able to go anywhere in two hours," gesturing with his arms opened wide to reinforce the point. "A few kilometres and I am in the middle of the bush, the mountains, game reserves, rivers and deserts. There is no other country I know of that has the versatility and diversity in one place."
"I have an open mind to different cultures, to appreciate different roots, and made the decision to live here and not just be in transit."
At the same time, Dr Savoi was seeing the beginning of what he describes as "cracks" in the banking system in South America and a growing instability there. "What we are experiencing now as a result of what is happening in Europe and North America, South America felt in 2000." Dr Savoi felt that he was in what he calls a "poll" position and ahead was an open track that led, quite obviously, to an emerging economy with intriguing potential.
But no business decision is made in this family without consultation.
"You always need to think in terms of family," he says. The Savoi family is extremely close with major business and life decisions taken around a table not a boardroom. Dr Savoi felt that they were all turning a significant corner and that they needed to be pro-active about their futures. They had already experienced the inexorable pull of South Africa through their world traveller's eyes but he says, "sometimes, destiny shows the way to a move and chooses the moment. I considered the age of my daughter and my three sons. They would look to get married some day and that maybe it was the time for us to take what was not an easy decision but neither was it a tough one. After all, I was not going to mine gold in the Yukon! They saw the scenario through the same eyes and I proceeded to motivate the move to invest in South Africa."
Gaston Savoi did not come empty handed.
With 37 years working in the health industry in manufacturing pharmaceutical API's (Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients) Savoi's companies also manufactured water purification systems and mobile gas generating units. He saw the opportunity to set up a company in South Africa, attracting foreign investment and contribute to the national production of a vital product that had the potential to change the lives of millions of South Africans denied access to fresh water because of inaccessible or contaminated sources. There was another product that the Group had developed in South America that would save lives. One of the big problems faced by countries with an outlying rural population that relied on smaller hospitals and clinics for health care, was the ready availability of medical air and oxygen. Transporting cylinders to outlying areas in South America on poor roads and at the vagaries of frequent strikes left the rural population vulnerable. Units that generate medical oxygen and medical air on site meant avoiding the risks related to non-delivery of a vital resource. The system also has a positive impact on the environment (as shown in an European study) as CO2 is reduced by reducing the transportation of cylinders.
But these plans lay in the future.
First came the Savoi family's move here, one that puzzled many well heeled South Africans whose children were members of the white diaspora to the UK, Australia and the US. For here was a man with wealth and the privilege of choice, deciding to commit everything to a country with what had, at best an "uncertain future".
Savoi simply didn"t see the new South Africa this way.
"I took a decision and my immediate family supported the decision.
That has as a lot to do with his role within the family. "To be a father is naturally a result of biological process, but to be friend to your sons, and vice versa, that is something that needs to be cultivated. To keep the respect between the generations is not easy unless there are no fences and no walls. It is the same relationship that I have with my father. I am not embarrassed to say that it is about real love."
Although the plans were to bring his immediate family to a new continent and a new life, it was not without some pain. "You need to remember that it did not include my extended family - father, my mother, my mother in law, my father in law here, and my sister - therefore it was a tough decision - but less tough if you combine it with taking what you feel deep down, is the right decision. I am sure that I took it."
This growing set of ties to South Africa – including an application for permanent residence for his whole family - underpinned Savoi's first significant commitment in putting down roots. In 2001, the Group bought a 50% share (R150 million rand investment) in Shamwari Holdings through foreign investment, later to be known as the Mantis Collection of Boutique Hotels and Game Reserves, the world renowned hospitality group that included Shamwari Game Reserve established by Adrian Gardiner. The partnership with Gardiner also had financial implications. With no track record in South Africa, the Group had no credit line with local banks, making foreign investment crucial going forward. Although the family had farming in their blood, Savoi had no personal experience in the hospitality industry and running a game reserve. He saw the move as a chance to hand over his core business to his children and take up a personal challenge, moving not to a new career per se, but more of an active "retirement". "To have gypsy spirit, does not mean that you are gypsy. To say that you"re a world citizen that does not mean that you don"t have roots." In true Savoi style, the initial connection with Shamwari was indirect. On a flight to SA, he struck up a conversation with fellow passenger Peter Fleck (former rugby player Robbie Fleck's father).
In the conversation that ensued, one that ranged from family to business and Savoi's growing feelings for South Africa, was the subject of a game lodge. Peter became the catalyst to a series of meetings both in South Africa and South America, with amongst others Dr Ian Player. "I always think that it's very important when you intend to take a step like that, to know where people are coming from and how they do business. It's a matter of logic – and culture. But also the differences are important. I always say “what happens to the red if everybody likes the blue”?
A gentleman's agreement then led to a due diligence report, a formal partnership and a mounting excitement about potential new markets, resulting from one of his son's astute comment that South American tourism to SA, was largely neglected. There was much to be done to foster stronger ties.
Business ties established, and a future vision mapped out, the Group went on to further develop the historic Steenberg Estate in Constantia and the 54 000 hectare Sanbona Wildlife Reserve at the foot of the Warmwaterberg Mountains in the Little Karoo. The reserve's white lion project, was given world coverage through Animal planet and it's one which Savoi is justifiably proud of to this day.
The SA lifestyle proved an irresistible force. "We live a supposed 650 thousand hours," says Savoi, "that is our life. I am clear that some of these hours need to be enjoyed during our journey here."
It was a journey on many levels and not simply a destination.
Although the Group successfully sold their shares back to Adrian Gardiner in 2005, Dr Savoi continued to pursue the core business that he had established in South America; water purification, oxygen and health products.
"We brought our technology and our intellectual property through foreign investment to the country - and to the continent. With this, came the will and the effort to build a fantastic first world nutritional plant," says Dr Savoi. "Over the years with Mantis, I had the honour and the opportunity to meet many important players in the South African government and was guided by them on of how to deal with government as a supplier. We understood absolutely that we needed to go through a process. It is something we understand because we have had a similar scenario for decades in Brazil. We not only understand the system but respect what is a natural empowerment, because we believe in our culture there can not be no more colonialism. We are not an orange to be squeezed, to take the juice from the orange and take the seeds. If you want to come to enjoy a country and its benefits for today, tomorrow and the future you must have respect for the local owners of the country. I take my authority from South Africa but it stops in front of you," deferring to the laws and customs of the country.
"I am not a citizen. I can"t vote. Therefore, I must respect you, I must be diplomatic. I must respect the country's policy of Black Economic Empowerment. We needed to have South African partners who could add real value to the process but to get government work required networking."
There is no doubt that the government tender process, now under such intense scrutiny, is a complicated one. The right partners, the processes to follow, the legitmacy of commissions paid for work secured, is integral to Dr Savoi's current challenges. What happens now, and in the years it may take to untangle what Dr Savoi calls a "spagetti putanesca", must take his course. He contuines to appear in court at hearings with dignity, having endured what appeared to be a highly irregular decision to keep him jailed for several days in Kimberley, and despite having posted substantial bail.
"It is a "live and learn" scenario he believes. "What if I could have imagined that all our trust and effort would be challenged because we followed the created rules of the country." He lets the notion hang. "One thing I am deeply sure of is that we have not done anything wrong. I did not only bring my family here remember, but motivated other families and foreign investors to come here too. These families and investors came trusting me because some of them have been working for me for 10, 20 years. They came here to transfer skills and add value to the country, then married here and have South African babies. I myself have six Proudly South African grandchildren.
"If you ask me today where I think I failed, I say this; I am not a perfect man but I am a perfectionsit. I think that I failed as you fail when you are in love. When you are in love all that strong sentiment creates a weakness somewhere. There are two issues at play here; the first one is that I definitely underestimated the strong power of a monopoly, in the country."
Dr Savoi saw that there were major opportunities and alternatives to a single supplier of services and a commodity. "I did not ever see our company as a substitute monopoly. It's simply not in our culture, in our South American history. We are born as a nationalist people. I saw the opportunity then to produce our equipment here instead of importing it from South America. We empowered many people in this country and directly employed 150. Sadly, we have recently had to retrench 60% of our staff.
"Suddenly," says Dr Savoi, "we appear to have crossed a road that is not allowed to be crossed, but nobody warned us."
Dr Savoi's second caveat has to do with not knowing enough about a local network to do business.
"I am sure that if you were to invest in Brazil, because you love the country, its people, its spirit, the friendship, the music - you love everything - and you decide that by using your skills, you could reduce poverty … but that you have to have a "national power" base to do so, you would take advice. "The advice would be to find strategic partners, and offer strategic shares in your company. You would ask what key people to be introduced to and someone – because you do not know yourself – would choose the right people you should know. You would be reliant on this strategic advice. And obviously one conducts business strictly in accordance with the law and on advice of the professional advisers of the company:- lawyers and auditors."
By all accounts, this is the pattern that Dr Savoi followed on advice from those "in the know" and which is now the subject of his pending court case. "I am a businessman but it seems to me that I have become part of a witch hunt."
The docket that started the ball rolling happened to be from one of Dr Savoi's direct competitors. "How is it, "he asks, "that you can be part of a national tender for business when you are the sole supplier of the goods and services?"
Despite the fight Dr Savoi still has to face over the coming months he remains optimistic about his future here.
"We intend to stay here, to contribute to what we can. We have other projects in the pipeline besides water purification plants and gas generation units. We have our work to carry out bringing skills and intellectual property to help factories reduce the relience on importations. The goal is self dependence."
"I have immense respect for South Africans and what they have achieved but sometimes I feel that perhaps people cannot see what they have, what they have built. One day, the whole world will understand what we (South Africa) have. Perhaps you cannot see what you have until you lose it. You need to take stock. I did. And what I understood, what I saw - and still do - is a deep synergy with my vision of things and what can be achieved in this country."
Please direct all questions in writing to Lynn Giles - lynng@draftfcb.co.za. Dr Savoi is currently not available for comment or interviews.
For further information regarding the current court case, please forward your requests in writing to Rachelle Bricout of Edward Nathan Sonnenbergs - rachelle@create-a-stir.co.za
Source: Intaka
Thursday, November 25, 2010
Mpuma health department, police in court for corruption
Eight ambulance officials and five policemen in the Middleburg are facing corruption charges for receiving bribes to call tow-truck drivers after an accident and before calling an ambulance, says Mpumalanga police. "When they got the alert that an accident has happened they will phone a tow-truck driver before they phone the ambulance.., and then they get a kick-back from the tow-truck driver," said spokesman Captain Leonard Hlathi. The five policemen, aged between 28 and 42, were arrested on Wednesday and appeared in the Middleburg Magistrate's Court on the same day facing charges of corruption.
They were granted bail of R1, 500 each and their case was postponed to January 14 for further investigation. Hlathi said seven of the eight ambulance officials, including four women, aged between 31 and 47, were arrested on Wednesday and the eighth one was arrested on Thursday morning. They are employed by the department of health to receive calls from the public or the police about an accident and then dispatch an ambulance to the scene, he said. The group would be appearing before the Middleburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday also facing corruption charges.
The Mpumalanga department of health was not immediately available for comment. "There is a lot of competition between tow-truck drivers to get to the scene [of an accident] first... they paid ambulance officials and the police between R700 and R1, 800 per call to be called first [about] an accident." He did not know how long this corruption had been going on for. "We still need to check when it all started... but we have been investigating this for three months. We have a lot of evidence."
Police and the ambulance officials were not working together in this activity, he said. "They were working uniquely." He said no arrests of tow-truck drivers had been made and he would not speak about possible charges that they would face. "It was different [tow-truck] companies that were paying the bribes." He would not comment on the possibility that lives were lost because tow-truck drivers were informed of an accident before an ambulance.
Source: Times Live
They were granted bail of R1, 500 each and their case was postponed to January 14 for further investigation. Hlathi said seven of the eight ambulance officials, including four women, aged between 31 and 47, were arrested on Wednesday and the eighth one was arrested on Thursday morning. They are employed by the department of health to receive calls from the public or the police about an accident and then dispatch an ambulance to the scene, he said. The group would be appearing before the Middleburg Magistrate's Court on Thursday also facing corruption charges.
The Mpumalanga department of health was not immediately available for comment. "There is a lot of competition between tow-truck drivers to get to the scene [of an accident] first... they paid ambulance officials and the police between R700 and R1, 800 per call to be called first [about] an accident." He did not know how long this corruption had been going on for. "We still need to check when it all started... but we have been investigating this for three months. We have a lot of evidence."
Police and the ambulance officials were not working together in this activity, he said. "They were working uniquely." He said no arrests of tow-truck drivers had been made and he would not speak about possible charges that they would face. "It was different [tow-truck] companies that were paying the bribes." He would not comment on the possibility that lives were lost because tow-truck drivers were informed of an accident before an ambulance.
Source: Times Live
Monday, October 4, 2010
Provincial health departments slide R8bn into the red
Provincial health departments had collectively run up a bank overdraft of R8bn by the end of March, according to the Department of Health’s latest annual report, tabled in Parliament on Friday.
It is the first time that the health department has reported this kind of detail on provincial health departments’ financial troubles, and adds weight to its efforts to get the Treasury to try to find a way to bail them out. In June, Business Day reported that officials from the health department and the Treasury were looking into the possibility of providing more money to the provinces after it emerged that they had run up a collective debt of R7,5bn by the end of March last year.
According to the health department’s 2009-10 annual report, the provinces had also reported accruals of R3,2bn, unauthorised expenditure of R11,6bn and overexpenditure of R3,4bn.
Independent economist Alex van den Heever welcomed the details reported by the health department, saying the numbers indicated “a system under massive stress in terms of governance and accountability”. He said the Treasury was more likely to consider an adjustment to the equitable share, which would benefit all the provinces, than a cash handout to those deep in the red.
The health department said it did not have the money to establish a provincial support office as originally planned, but technical assistance from the Treasury had helped improve provincial budget management. Without specifying provinces, it said five out of the nine had stayed within their goods and services budgets, and six managed not to overspend on salaries.
The annual report contains some good news, as it is the first one to receive an unqualified audit opinion from auditor-general Terence Nombembe in seven years. This is an important development, suggesting a significant improvement in the department’s capacity to manage its R18,8bn budget. The department’s poor financial management has for years earned it the scorn of Parliament’s standing committee on public accounts and opposition parties. “It is positive progress,” said the Democratic Alliance’s shadow health minister, Mike Waters. He declined to give further comment until he had read the report.
While the auditor-general’s report indicates he was satisfied that the figures reported by the department were a fair reflection of its finances, Mr Nombembe said it needed to improve its monitoring of conditional grants. These grants are ring- fenced for specific programmes such as improving hospitals, and are channelled from the Treasury to provincial health departments via the national health department.
The health department was supposed to monitor conditional grants with quarterly visits and inspections, and evaluate and investigate inconsistencies arising from these audits, but was failing to do so consistently, Mr Nombembe said. It was also hampered by provinces’ late submission of business plans and performance reports. This has been a concern for several years.
The department reported that it withheld R402m of funds earmarked for hospital revitalisation grants, as some provinces had experienced construction delays. The health department also reported that it had not spent any money on tickets or paraphernalia for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Source: Business Day
It is the first time that the health department has reported this kind of detail on provincial health departments’ financial troubles, and adds weight to its efforts to get the Treasury to try to find a way to bail them out. In June, Business Day reported that officials from the health department and the Treasury were looking into the possibility of providing more money to the provinces after it emerged that they had run up a collective debt of R7,5bn by the end of March last year.
According to the health department’s 2009-10 annual report, the provinces had also reported accruals of R3,2bn, unauthorised expenditure of R11,6bn and overexpenditure of R3,4bn.
Independent economist Alex van den Heever welcomed the details reported by the health department, saying the numbers indicated “a system under massive stress in terms of governance and accountability”. He said the Treasury was more likely to consider an adjustment to the equitable share, which would benefit all the provinces, than a cash handout to those deep in the red.
The health department said it did not have the money to establish a provincial support office as originally planned, but technical assistance from the Treasury had helped improve provincial budget management. Without specifying provinces, it said five out of the nine had stayed within their goods and services budgets, and six managed not to overspend on salaries.
The annual report contains some good news, as it is the first one to receive an unqualified audit opinion from auditor-general Terence Nombembe in seven years. This is an important development, suggesting a significant improvement in the department’s capacity to manage its R18,8bn budget. The department’s poor financial management has for years earned it the scorn of Parliament’s standing committee on public accounts and opposition parties. “It is positive progress,” said the Democratic Alliance’s shadow health minister, Mike Waters. He declined to give further comment until he had read the report.
While the auditor-general’s report indicates he was satisfied that the figures reported by the department were a fair reflection of its finances, Mr Nombembe said it needed to improve its monitoring of conditional grants. These grants are ring- fenced for specific programmes such as improving hospitals, and are channelled from the Treasury to provincial health departments via the national health department.
The health department was supposed to monitor conditional grants with quarterly visits and inspections, and evaluate and investigate inconsistencies arising from these audits, but was failing to do so consistently, Mr Nombembe said. It was also hampered by provinces’ late submission of business plans and performance reports. This has been a concern for several years.
The department reported that it withheld R402m of funds earmarked for hospital revitalisation grants, as some provinces had experienced construction delays. The health department also reported that it had not spent any money on tickets or paraphernalia for the 2010 Soccer World Cup.
Source: Business Day
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Cosatu calls on workers to intensify strike action
The Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) has threatened a total shutdown of the economy with a secondary strike if the government fails to settle its dispute with public-service workers by next Thursday.
"We call on all workers to intensify their action. Every Cosatu-affiliated union must on August 26 submit notice to their employers to embark on a secondary strike," general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Tuesday, referring to a seven-day notice period. "So by next Thursday if the current strike is not resolved, the entire economy of South Africa will be shut down."
Vavi also noted the government's comments on the 8,5% wage offer. Until Monday, the government said it was offering a 7% increase, but government spokesperson Themba Maseko told reporters this was in "real terms" actually 8,5% -- a mere tenth of a percent short of what unions wanted. This was because the increase offer was bolstered by a 1,5% pay progression.
Vavi said the government knew the arithmetic was misleading and an attempt to confuse the public. "No 8,5% wage offer was tabled. The government has been negotiating with the media rather than unions," he said. "This is pure misinformation aimed at confusing the public." The federation urged employers to refrain from confusing the public and stressed that workers were not deterred from their 8,6%.
Meanwhile, at least 53 premature babies were left unattended in some Gauteng hospitals during the public-sector strike on Monday, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane told the provincial legislature on Tuesday. "Yesterday[Monday] when I visited some of the hospitals that were severely affected by the strike I was told shocking stories of 53 premature babies who were left unattended when striking workers forced nursing staff to leave their posts," she said. "Some of the babies were literally locked in the wards with no one bothering to make alternative arrangements for their care."
Mokonyane said while she understood that workers had a right to strike, it was wrong of them to disrespect the rights of babies. "We all respect the right for workers to strike but they must also respect the Constitutional right for these babies to live." She said government was extremely grateful and thankful for the support it received. "The government is very heartened by the volunteers, including professionals who selflessly offered their services to care for those in need when the striking government workers abandoned their posts. "From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you for what you are doing to help us through this difficult period. We also wish to thank the workers who risked their lives to report for duty and care for the public."
She also thanked private hospitals for accommodating babies. Mokonyane said it was "unfortunate" that some protesters resorted to intimidation and put the lives of others in "serious danger".
Source: Mail & Guardian
"We call on all workers to intensify their action. Every Cosatu-affiliated union must on August 26 submit notice to their employers to embark on a secondary strike," general secretary Zwelinzima Vavi said on Tuesday, referring to a seven-day notice period. "So by next Thursday if the current strike is not resolved, the entire economy of South Africa will be shut down."
Vavi also noted the government's comments on the 8,5% wage offer. Until Monday, the government said it was offering a 7% increase, but government spokesperson Themba Maseko told reporters this was in "real terms" actually 8,5% -- a mere tenth of a percent short of what unions wanted. This was because the increase offer was bolstered by a 1,5% pay progression.
Vavi said the government knew the arithmetic was misleading and an attempt to confuse the public. "No 8,5% wage offer was tabled. The government has been negotiating with the media rather than unions," he said. "This is pure misinformation aimed at confusing the public." The federation urged employers to refrain from confusing the public and stressed that workers were not deterred from their 8,6%.
Meanwhile, at least 53 premature babies were left unattended in some Gauteng hospitals during the public-sector strike on Monday, Premier Nomvula Mokonyane told the provincial legislature on Tuesday. "Yesterday[Monday] when I visited some of the hospitals that were severely affected by the strike I was told shocking stories of 53 premature babies who were left unattended when striking workers forced nursing staff to leave their posts," she said. "Some of the babies were literally locked in the wards with no one bothering to make alternative arrangements for their care."
Mokonyane said while she understood that workers had a right to strike, it was wrong of them to disrespect the rights of babies. "We all respect the right for workers to strike but they must also respect the Constitutional right for these babies to live." She said government was extremely grateful and thankful for the support it received. "The government is very heartened by the volunteers, including professionals who selflessly offered their services to care for those in need when the striking government workers abandoned their posts. "From the bottom of our hearts we say thank you for what you are doing to help us through this difficult period. We also wish to thank the workers who risked their lives to report for duty and care for the public."
She also thanked private hospitals for accommodating babies. Mokonyane said it was "unfortunate" that some protesters resorted to intimidation and put the lives of others in "serious danger".
Source: Mail & Guardian
Friday, August 6, 2010
State hospitals run out of medicines
CLOSE to 400,000 patients at Mpumalanga hospitals go without vital medication daily due to a shortage of prescribed medications.
Health MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu made the admission while answering a DA parliamentary question in the legislature this week.
She said they were failing to honour payments and in return suppliers were freezing the accounts and stopping the supply of medication to depots, hospitals and clinics.
Despite her assurance that the department has set aside R515 million to ensure all hospitals and clinics were fully stocked with medicine by the end of the 2010-11 financial year, the DA questioned why the department was facing cash flow problems.
Source: The Sowetan
Health MEC Dikeledi Mahlangu made the admission while answering a DA parliamentary question in the legislature this week.
She said they were failing to honour payments and in return suppliers were freezing the accounts and stopping the supply of medication to depots, hospitals and clinics.
Despite her assurance that the department has set aside R515 million to ensure all hospitals and clinics were fully stocked with medicine by the end of the 2010-11 financial year, the DA questioned why the department was facing cash flow problems.
Source: The Sowetan
Saturday, July 24, 2010
'Dead babies' hospital: Premier shocked
Syringes being used more than once, babies lying in soiled cribs and nurses chatting instead of looking after premature infants. These are just some of the shocking claims made by parents whose babies died at a Joburg hospital earlier this year. It took one meeting with the parents of the six babies who died at Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital to convince Premier Nomvula Mokonyane that an investigation into staff negligence needs to be reopened.
Mokonyane and MEC for Health and Social Development Qedani Mahlangu sat for two hours with five parents of the six babies who died at the hospital in May. Earlier in the week, Mahlangu released a report which found the babies had died from a potent version of norovirus and that no hospital or staff negligence could be found. The MEC did say there was a problem with overcrowding and a shortage of materials, such as roller towels for nurses to dry their hands.
Mahlangu said she took responsibility for what happened onto her own shoulders. She did not give the public the actual report, but rather a summarised version. On the same day, a separate report presented in Parliament gave very different results. The second report, which was presented to the portfolio committee on health, said laboratory tests found klebsiella pneumonia in some of the sick babies and in their milk bottles.
The parliamentary report found norovirus and klebsiella in most of the 17 sick babies who were in the ward. The report also said the milk feeding room needed attention and that bottles and cleaning brushes were found to be old and rusty. Mokonyane told the media that meeting the parents was an eye-opener, and they were surprised to hear parents' observations about the attitudes and conduct of the nurses. "We will be investigating whether there was negligence of the team on duty," the premier said. "If we conclude that there was negligence, we will take appropriate action and make sure there is no repeat of bad behaviour." She said the initial report released earlier this week was a clinical report compiled by doctors, which they had accepted as final, but after talking to the parents, they would investigate claims of negligence further.
Mokonyane said parents had noticed a lack of hygiene, bad attitudes from nurses and multiple use of instruments that are supposed to be used only once. She said the parents had told her they had come into the ward and found children had vomited and had not been cleaned; syringes that were used more than once; and instead of telling them what was wrong with their children, nurses refused to speak to them because they were eating chips and busy gossipping.
The premier said the department had told the parents they had the right to sue for compensation, but the department could not offer them money without going through the courts. "No amount of money can compensate for life. I think the parents' biggest concern is that we must make sure this never happens again. We have learnt from this and need to make sure that this never happens again," she added.
Source: IoL
Mokonyane and MEC for Health and Social Development Qedani Mahlangu sat for two hours with five parents of the six babies who died at the hospital in May. Earlier in the week, Mahlangu released a report which found the babies had died from a potent version of norovirus and that no hospital or staff negligence could be found. The MEC did say there was a problem with overcrowding and a shortage of materials, such as roller towels for nurses to dry their hands.
Mahlangu said she took responsibility for what happened onto her own shoulders. She did not give the public the actual report, but rather a summarised version. On the same day, a separate report presented in Parliament gave very different results. The second report, which was presented to the portfolio committee on health, said laboratory tests found klebsiella pneumonia in some of the sick babies and in their milk bottles.
The parliamentary report found norovirus and klebsiella in most of the 17 sick babies who were in the ward. The report also said the milk feeding room needed attention and that bottles and cleaning brushes were found to be old and rusty. Mokonyane told the media that meeting the parents was an eye-opener, and they were surprised to hear parents' observations about the attitudes and conduct of the nurses. "We will be investigating whether there was negligence of the team on duty," the premier said. "If we conclude that there was negligence, we will take appropriate action and make sure there is no repeat of bad behaviour." She said the initial report released earlier this week was a clinical report compiled by doctors, which they had accepted as final, but after talking to the parents, they would investigate claims of negligence further.
Mokonyane said parents had noticed a lack of hygiene, bad attitudes from nurses and multiple use of instruments that are supposed to be used only once. She said the parents had told her they had come into the ward and found children had vomited and had not been cleaned; syringes that were used more than once; and instead of telling them what was wrong with their children, nurses refused to speak to them because they were eating chips and busy gossipping.
The premier said the department had told the parents they had the right to sue for compensation, but the department could not offer them money without going through the courts. "No amount of money can compensate for life. I think the parents' biggest concern is that we must make sure this never happens again. We have learnt from this and need to make sure that this never happens again," she added.
Source: IoL
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Provincial Health has gone bust
THE Eastern Cape provincial Health Department has gone bust with debts of R1.8 billion, and cannot pay creditors or nursing staff their special payments until the new financial year. Health Department spokesperson Sizwe Kupelo yesterday said the department now had to apply for an overdraft in terms of section 39 of the Public Finance Management Act to continue operating. As part of a dramatic clean-up of its finances it will also disband its existing bid evaluation committees, he added.
The Daily Dispatch has learnt that the shock announcement is a forerunner to further drastic action when heads may roll and resignations are expected. It was also announced that the province’s suspended head of emergency services, Shanks Maharaj, had resigned. He was suspended last year following a Dispatch exposé of the alleged abuse of an air ambulance, used to fly officials to Bloemfontein to watch a Confederations Cup soccer match. Maharaj resigned before facing a disciplinary hearing. Asked whether criminal steps could follow to account for missing funds, Kupelo said: “We will not tolerate maladministration; any person found guilty, no matter who it is, will be dealt with. We take corruption seriously.”
The ANC’s Mlibo Qoboshiyane said they had been aware that over-expenditure on occupation specific dispensation (OSD) payments had caused the budget shortfall; the department would have to approach the national Treasury to ensure services did not collapse. DA health spokesperson Pine Pienaar said t he DA warned in December that the department would run out of funds due to un- mandated payments of some R800 million in backpay to provincial employees and R250m in OSD payments. “This ongoing mismanagement will cripple health services in the province,” he said
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said he had “never heard of a department going bankrupt” and called for all creditors to be paid. Cope’s Nkosifikile Gqomo said MEC Phumulo Masualle and his counterpart at Finance, Mcebisi Jonas, must disclose exactly what had happened. Kupelo said the department planned a major overhaul of its tendering system. On the instructions of Masualle and newly appointed superintendent-general, Dr Siva Pillay, all delegated authorisation of payments had been withdrawn with immediate effect. Existing salaries would be paid out as normal. All pharmaceutical companies had already been paid and there was “enough stock until April”.
Kupelo warned of further labour unrest following the go- slows by nursing staff as a result of disputes over OSD payments. Their union plans to meet with the department on Friday.
Source: Daily Dispatch
The Daily Dispatch has learnt that the shock announcement is a forerunner to further drastic action when heads may roll and resignations are expected. It was also announced that the province’s suspended head of emergency services, Shanks Maharaj, had resigned. He was suspended last year following a Dispatch exposé of the alleged abuse of an air ambulance, used to fly officials to Bloemfontein to watch a Confederations Cup soccer match. Maharaj resigned before facing a disciplinary hearing. Asked whether criminal steps could follow to account for missing funds, Kupelo said: “We will not tolerate maladministration; any person found guilty, no matter who it is, will be dealt with. We take corruption seriously.”
The ANC’s Mlibo Qoboshiyane said they had been aware that over-expenditure on occupation specific dispensation (OSD) payments had caused the budget shortfall; the department would have to approach the national Treasury to ensure services did not collapse. DA health spokesperson Pine Pienaar said t he DA warned in December that the department would run out of funds due to un- mandated payments of some R800 million in backpay to provincial employees and R250m in OSD payments. “This ongoing mismanagement will cripple health services in the province,” he said
United Democratic Movement leader Bantu Holomisa said he had “never heard of a department going bankrupt” and called for all creditors to be paid. Cope’s Nkosifikile Gqomo said MEC Phumulo Masualle and his counterpart at Finance, Mcebisi Jonas, must disclose exactly what had happened. Kupelo said the department planned a major overhaul of its tendering system. On the instructions of Masualle and newly appointed superintendent-general, Dr Siva Pillay, all delegated authorisation of payments had been withdrawn with immediate effect. Existing salaries would be paid out as normal. All pharmaceutical companies had already been paid and there was “enough stock until April”.
Kupelo warned of further labour unrest following the go- slows by nursing staff as a result of disputes over OSD payments. Their union plans to meet with the department on Friday.
Source: Daily Dispatch
Monday, December 7, 2009
South Africa: Improve Migrants’ Access to Health Care
South African health care professionals are endangering the health of the country's large foreign population by routinely denying health care and treatment to thousands of asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants, Human Rights Watch said in a report released today. South Africa's foreign-born residents, who are particularly vulnerable to disease and injury, face xenophobic violence as well as systematic discrimination in obtaining basic care.
The 89-page report, "No Healing Here: Violence, Discrimination and Barriers to Health for Migrants in South Africa," describes how harassment, lack of documentation, and the credible fear of deportation prevent many newcomers from seeking medical treatment even though South African law and policy state that asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants have a right to care. Those who do seek treatment are often mistreated and verbally abused by health care workers and denied care or charged unlawful fees.
"Migrants to South Africa are abused in transit, attacked upon arrival, and then denied care when they are injured or ill," said Rebecca Shaeffer, fellow in the health and human rights division of Human Rights Watch. "The South African government should be ensuring that these people get the care they need, and are entitled to, under the country's constitution."
Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 100 migrants, health care workers, and advocates to produce the report. Migrants who crossed the border from Zimbabwe, for example, told Human Rights Watch that they find it difficult to get health care because they lack documentation, basic information, and financial resources. Rape survivors said they are required to file police reports before they get emergency medical treatment, but are they are too fearful of deportation to follow this procedure.
The South African Department of Health has affirmed the rights of asylum seekers and refugees to obtain care, but Human Rights Watch found that health care workers repeatedly violated that provision and discriminated against patients on the basis of their nationality or lack of proper documentation. According to the report, permanent disabilities resulting from xenophobic violence against migrants are being compounded by xenophobic discrimination in health care settings.
Furthermore, in urban centers throughout the country, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are often placed in unsafe temporary shelters, resulting in increased risk of infectious disease transmission, interruption of treatment for chronic illness, and often inadequate nutrition.
The delayed, interrupted, or denied treatment of migrant health threatens to further strain South Africa's already stretched health system. When untreated, illness becomes more severe or resistant to first-line drugs, preventable disability develops, care becomes more costly, and communicable diseases threaten citizens and non-citizens alike.
"Discrimination against foreigners is institutionalized in South Africa's health care system," Shaeffer said. "People seeking care should not be subjected to abuse."
Improving all of the conditions that contribute to poor health conditions for migrants will require the collaboration of numerous government agencies, Human Rights Watch said. The report recommends four categories of reforms to improve the situation:
* Protection from deportation: The Department of Home Affairs should implement the planned special dispensation permit for Zimbabweans, easing the fear of deportation that serves as a major barrier to care for many undocumented migrants, especially Zimbabweans. The department should also ensure that asylum seekers, refugees, and Zimbabwean migrants are not subject to arbitrary or extra-legal arrest and deportation.
* Protection from attacks: South African Police Service should enhance protection for migrants from opportunistic criminal violence near the Zimbabwean border and from xenophobic violence throughout South Africa. Police should also ensure that rape survivors are not forced to contact the police before receiving life-saving medical attention.
* Protection from discrimination: The Department of Health should enforce its equal access policies through improved training, reporting, and accountability measures. It should also develop prevention and treatment programs for mobile and migrant populations, providing improved access to health and rights-related information, as well as cross-border treatment initiatives.
* Better information: The government should improve its data collection concerning the number of migrants in South Africa, their health needs, and the costs of their care. Budgets and planning should be responsive to needs on the ground, and providers that serve a high number of informal migrants should get the support they need.
"The South African health system is strained trying to meet the needs of all of its residents, but discriminating against migrants is not the way to balance budgets." Shaeffer said.
Testimony from refugees and asylum seekers:
"Xenophobia is still here - only now it lives at the hospital." - Sefu, a refugee displaced by xenophobic violence who was turned away for care at Johannesburg General Hospital.
"I was robbed [and] assaulted. People on the street just watched it happen. I went to Hillbrow clinic. I asked for an x-ray but they said, ‘No, that's not for foreigners. Go back to Zimbabwe if you want x-rays.' I went back four times but it was always, ‘No, my friend. That's for South Africans.'" - Trevor, an asylum seeker in Johannesburg.
"At the hospital they told me, ‘This is not your country, we can't treat you,' and sent me away. I left the hospital and went to another clinic. One doctor, a female doctor, was saying, ‘Just treat him,' but some others were saying, ‘Don't treat him.' Some of them said I was a human being and deserved treatment, and others fought her right in front of me." - Said, Somali refugee displaced by xenophobic violence.
"I went to Joburg Hospital because I felt like I had TB. I was coughing and losing weight. They told me to go to Hillbrow. At Hillbrow they said, ‘We don't like foreigners; you are thieves.' I heard some of the nurses saying ‘We don't like them here. This hospital is for South Africans.'" - Kelvin, Zimbabwean asylum seeker in Johannesburg.
"It's true that everyone gets treated badly in the public hospitals, but it's worse for non-nationals. Foreigners wait even longer than we do. Health care worker attitudes are a problem. They get annoyed with language problems, and they don't seem willing to assist. Most clinics don't have interpreters, so the doctors will just ask yes or no questions, and don't get to the bottom of things. They take advantage of foreigners' lack of knowledge of their rights, so they will tell them go somewhere else." - Eva, South African citizen married to Congolese refugee.
Source: Human Rights Watch
The 89-page report, "No Healing Here: Violence, Discrimination and Barriers to Health for Migrants in South Africa," describes how harassment, lack of documentation, and the credible fear of deportation prevent many newcomers from seeking medical treatment even though South African law and policy state that asylum seekers, refugees, and migrants have a right to care. Those who do seek treatment are often mistreated and verbally abused by health care workers and denied care or charged unlawful fees.
"Migrants to South Africa are abused in transit, attacked upon arrival, and then denied care when they are injured or ill," said Rebecca Shaeffer, fellow in the health and human rights division of Human Rights Watch. "The South African government should be ensuring that these people get the care they need, and are entitled to, under the country's constitution."
Human Rights Watch interviewed more than 100 migrants, health care workers, and advocates to produce the report. Migrants who crossed the border from Zimbabwe, for example, told Human Rights Watch that they find it difficult to get health care because they lack documentation, basic information, and financial resources. Rape survivors said they are required to file police reports before they get emergency medical treatment, but are they are too fearful of deportation to follow this procedure.
The South African Department of Health has affirmed the rights of asylum seekers and refugees to obtain care, but Human Rights Watch found that health care workers repeatedly violated that provision and discriminated against patients on the basis of their nationality or lack of proper documentation. According to the report, permanent disabilities resulting from xenophobic violence against migrants are being compounded by xenophobic discrimination in health care settings.
Furthermore, in urban centers throughout the country, refugees, asylum seekers, and migrants are often placed in unsafe temporary shelters, resulting in increased risk of infectious disease transmission, interruption of treatment for chronic illness, and often inadequate nutrition.
The delayed, interrupted, or denied treatment of migrant health threatens to further strain South Africa's already stretched health system. When untreated, illness becomes more severe or resistant to first-line drugs, preventable disability develops, care becomes more costly, and communicable diseases threaten citizens and non-citizens alike.
"Discrimination against foreigners is institutionalized in South Africa's health care system," Shaeffer said. "People seeking care should not be subjected to abuse."
Improving all of the conditions that contribute to poor health conditions for migrants will require the collaboration of numerous government agencies, Human Rights Watch said. The report recommends four categories of reforms to improve the situation:
* Protection from deportation: The Department of Home Affairs should implement the planned special dispensation permit for Zimbabweans, easing the fear of deportation that serves as a major barrier to care for many undocumented migrants, especially Zimbabweans. The department should also ensure that asylum seekers, refugees, and Zimbabwean migrants are not subject to arbitrary or extra-legal arrest and deportation.
* Protection from attacks: South African Police Service should enhance protection for migrants from opportunistic criminal violence near the Zimbabwean border and from xenophobic violence throughout South Africa. Police should also ensure that rape survivors are not forced to contact the police before receiving life-saving medical attention.
* Protection from discrimination: The Department of Health should enforce its equal access policies through improved training, reporting, and accountability measures. It should also develop prevention and treatment programs for mobile and migrant populations, providing improved access to health and rights-related information, as well as cross-border treatment initiatives.
* Better information: The government should improve its data collection concerning the number of migrants in South Africa, their health needs, and the costs of their care. Budgets and planning should be responsive to needs on the ground, and providers that serve a high number of informal migrants should get the support they need.
"The South African health system is strained trying to meet the needs of all of its residents, but discriminating against migrants is not the way to balance budgets." Shaeffer said.
Testimony from refugees and asylum seekers:
"Xenophobia is still here - only now it lives at the hospital." - Sefu, a refugee displaced by xenophobic violence who was turned away for care at Johannesburg General Hospital.
"I was robbed [and] assaulted. People on the street just watched it happen. I went to Hillbrow clinic. I asked for an x-ray but they said, ‘No, that's not for foreigners. Go back to Zimbabwe if you want x-rays.' I went back four times but it was always, ‘No, my friend. That's for South Africans.'" - Trevor, an asylum seeker in Johannesburg.
"At the hospital they told me, ‘This is not your country, we can't treat you,' and sent me away. I left the hospital and went to another clinic. One doctor, a female doctor, was saying, ‘Just treat him,' but some others were saying, ‘Don't treat him.' Some of them said I was a human being and deserved treatment, and others fought her right in front of me." - Said, Somali refugee displaced by xenophobic violence.
"I went to Joburg Hospital because I felt like I had TB. I was coughing and losing weight. They told me to go to Hillbrow. At Hillbrow they said, ‘We don't like foreigners; you are thieves.' I heard some of the nurses saying ‘We don't like them here. This hospital is for South Africans.'" - Kelvin, Zimbabwean asylum seeker in Johannesburg.
"It's true that everyone gets treated badly in the public hospitals, but it's worse for non-nationals. Foreigners wait even longer than we do. Health care worker attitudes are a problem. They get annoyed with language problems, and they don't seem willing to assist. Most clinics don't have interpreters, so the doctors will just ask yes or no questions, and don't get to the bottom of things. They take advantage of foreigners' lack of knowledge of their rights, so they will tell them go somewhere else." - Eva, South African citizen married to Congolese refugee.
Source: Human Rights Watch
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Hope in South Africa
For years, South Africa was an international laughing stock for its tragically absurd approach to the deadly AIDS epidemic. Now, that national nightmare may be ending. The new government of President Jacob Zuma seems to have a clearer-eyed view of the problem, its remedies and the need to improve the overall health care system than its predecessor did. Fixing what’s broken will not be easy, but we are encouraged by signs of a commitment to do so. To see how far South African leaders have come, one needs to recall where the country was.
The former president, Thabo Mbeki, compiled a record that is still hard to fathom: he embraced crackpot theories that disputed the demonstrable fact that AIDS was transmitted by a treatable virus. He insisted that antiretroviral drugs were toxic and encouraged useless herbal folk remedies instead. He even claimed he knew nobody with the disease, although nearly 20 percent of the adult population is said to be living with H.I.V. Thousands of Africans were needlessly sickened and died. And the most influential country in sub-Saharan Africa squandered the opportunity to contain the AIDS epidemic. Although it has less than 1 percent of the world’s population, South Africa now accounts for 17 percent of the world’s burden of H.I.V. infection.
A saner approach began to take shape last year after Mr. Mbeki was forced out of office and Barbara Hogan was named health minister. Last week, the new health minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, went further. He accepted a withering critique by South African scientists, who said the governing African National Congress party’s record on AIDS and health care was deeply flawed, and promised remedial action. “We do take responsibility for what has happened and responsibility for how we move forward,” Dr. Motsoaledi said in an article by The Times’s Celia Dugger.
South Africa’s leaders must espouse sensible, scientifically based advice about AIDS and put in place programs that seek to both treat and prevent the disease. That means expanding efforts to prevent mothers from infecting their babies, discouraging people from having multiple sex partners and offering circumcision to men, a relatively simple surgical procedure proved to have greatly reduced the risk of infection in South Africa. The problem is bigger than AIDS. Even though South Africa spends more on health than any other African country, tuberculosis is rampant and child mortality rates are rising. The government must work to improve the quality of health care, ensure that all South Africans have access to the system and fire incompetent staff. None of this will reverse the damage and deaths of Mr. Mbeki’s disastrous legacy, but it can offer the people of South Africa a better future.
Source: New York Times
The former president, Thabo Mbeki, compiled a record that is still hard to fathom: he embraced crackpot theories that disputed the demonstrable fact that AIDS was transmitted by a treatable virus. He insisted that antiretroviral drugs were toxic and encouraged useless herbal folk remedies instead. He even claimed he knew nobody with the disease, although nearly 20 percent of the adult population is said to be living with H.I.V. Thousands of Africans were needlessly sickened and died. And the most influential country in sub-Saharan Africa squandered the opportunity to contain the AIDS epidemic. Although it has less than 1 percent of the world’s population, South Africa now accounts for 17 percent of the world’s burden of H.I.V. infection.
A saner approach began to take shape last year after Mr. Mbeki was forced out of office and Barbara Hogan was named health minister. Last week, the new health minister, Dr. Aaron Motsoaledi, went further. He accepted a withering critique by South African scientists, who said the governing African National Congress party’s record on AIDS and health care was deeply flawed, and promised remedial action. “We do take responsibility for what has happened and responsibility for how we move forward,” Dr. Motsoaledi said in an article by The Times’s Celia Dugger.
South Africa’s leaders must espouse sensible, scientifically based advice about AIDS and put in place programs that seek to both treat and prevent the disease. That means expanding efforts to prevent mothers from infecting their babies, discouraging people from having multiple sex partners and offering circumcision to men, a relatively simple surgical procedure proved to have greatly reduced the risk of infection in South Africa. The problem is bigger than AIDS. Even though South Africa spends more on health than any other African country, tuberculosis is rampant and child mortality rates are rising. The government must work to improve the quality of health care, ensure that all South Africans have access to the system and fire incompetent staff. None of this will reverse the damage and deaths of Mr. Mbeki’s disastrous legacy, but it can offer the people of South Africa a better future.
Source: New York Times
Monday, August 24, 2009
Cape nurses found guilty of misconduct
Twenty-two Western Cape nurses have been found guilty of misconduct for offences including the sexual and physical abuse of patients and poor patient care in the past five years Of the 22 Western Cape nurses who were found guilty, eight were suspended, eight were removed from the register of nursing practitioners, one was fined and four were cautioned with a reprimand. One nurse was given extra training. In only one case in the province was there a ruling of not guilty.
Three cases were dropped because of lack of evidence and two cases were transferred to an admission-of-guilt fine. Three nurses were removed from the nurses' register for section 36 offences. This refers to cases in which a nurse has become physically or mentally disabled to an extent where it would not be in the public interest to allow the nurse to work, has become unfit to prescribe or supply a scheduled substance, has used or prescribed a scheduled substance for other than medicinal purposes and has become addicted to a scheduled substance. Most of the misconduct cases nationally were for offences related to poor nursing care. There were 31 cases nationally of nurses sexually abusing their patients.
Source: IoL
Three cases were dropped because of lack of evidence and two cases were transferred to an admission-of-guilt fine. Three nurses were removed from the nurses' register for section 36 offences. This refers to cases in which a nurse has become physically or mentally disabled to an extent where it would not be in the public interest to allow the nurse to work, has become unfit to prescribe or supply a scheduled substance, has used or prescribed a scheduled substance for other than medicinal purposes and has become addicted to a scheduled substance. Most of the misconduct cases nationally were for offences related to poor nursing care. There were 31 cases nationally of nurses sexually abusing their patients.
Source: IoL
Thursday, August 13, 2009
MEC Nkonyeni’s graft case is dropped
The State today withdrew corruption charges against Peggy Nkonyeni, former Health MEC and now the ANC’s whip in the KwaZulu-Natal provincial council. Nkonyeni’s jubilant supporters chanted and sang at the announcement of the withdrawal. The case was also withdrawn against her two co-accused, who are a businessman and health department official.
State advocate Hein van der Merwe would not give any reasons for withdrawing the charges during court proceedings at the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court. Later he said a particular witness was “not ready to testify”. Nkonyeni’s co-accused were Henry Mkhwanazi, a Richard’s Bay businessman, and Mduduzi Ntshangane, an official in the KwaZulu-Natal health department. Previously, the former accused’s lawyers had complained about the cost and inconvenience to the accused of repeatedly appearing in court and asked that the case be withdrawn. If the State decided to prosecute them it was free to do so later.
The allegations of corruption centre around the purchase of ultrasound and general imaging equipment for the KwaZulu-Natal health department at inflated prices while Nkonyeni was MEC for health. She was alleged to have received kickbacks for influencing health department officials to buy particular equipment. Mkhwanazi allegedly agreed to give her “gratification” for pressing Ntshangane to buy equipment, which was handled by Mkhwanazi.
Source: The Sowetan
State advocate Hein van der Merwe would not give any reasons for withdrawing the charges during court proceedings at the Pietermaritzburg Regional Court. Later he said a particular witness was “not ready to testify”. Nkonyeni’s co-accused were Henry Mkhwanazi, a Richard’s Bay businessman, and Mduduzi Ntshangane, an official in the KwaZulu-Natal health department. Previously, the former accused’s lawyers had complained about the cost and inconvenience to the accused of repeatedly appearing in court and asked that the case be withdrawn. If the State decided to prosecute them it was free to do so later.
The allegations of corruption centre around the purchase of ultrasound and general imaging equipment for the KwaZulu-Natal health department at inflated prices while Nkonyeni was MEC for health. She was alleged to have received kickbacks for influencing health department officials to buy particular equipment. Mkhwanazi allegedly agreed to give her “gratification” for pressing Ntshangane to buy equipment, which was handled by Mkhwanazi.
Source: The Sowetan
Monday, August 3, 2009
Health unit hammers out details of NHI
The ANC's proposed national health insurance (NHI) scheme will become a reality this week as a Health Department unit starts working on the details of the scheme.
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Sunday that the first members of a unit of specialists to work on the plan were due to be appointed by the health department this week.
Motsoaledi said the NHI unit would comprise government officials working in the area of health economics and would include experts and advisors from academic and research institutions. He said he expected the government team members to start work this week, while external experts still had to be appointed.
Approved by the ruling party's national executive committee in July, the proposals for the health insurance scheme would first be discussed by the cabinet before being released for public discussion, Motsoaledi said.
Source: IoL
Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said on Sunday that the first members of a unit of specialists to work on the plan were due to be appointed by the health department this week.
Motsoaledi said the NHI unit would comprise government officials working in the area of health economics and would include experts and advisors from academic and research institutions. He said he expected the government team members to start work this week, while external experts still had to be appointed.
Approved by the ruling party's national executive committee in July, the proposals for the health insurance scheme would first be discussed by the cabinet before being released for public discussion, Motsoaledi said.
Source: IoL
Monday, July 27, 2009
Alpha Blondy Moves Summerstage
A sea of energetic fans from all over the world welcomed Alpha Blondy, known as the “African Bob Marley” to New York City’s Central Park Summerstage on Sunday, July 19th. The opening acts included performances by Lee “Scratch” Perry, identified as the “father” of reggae and Dubblestandart Sound System. The Ivorian reggae artist branded for his activism ignited this eclectic audience with his strong political lyrics that convey global peace and unity.
The origins of the crowd ranged from Brooklynites, to people from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora of Africa. The celebration and dancing to the rhythms of his dynamic 12-piece band, the Solar System was non-stop. Alpha’s poignant songs for the evening where Cocody Rock and Peace in Liberia. He unified and uplifted his fans by combining a mini speech with chants into the microphone “Peace in Iraq, Peace in Afghanistan, Peace in Israel and Palestine, Peace in Sudan, Peace in Eritrea…” In the early months of 2008, an American tour was scheduled and was canceled as a result of Alpha experiencing serious health problems. His latest CD was released in 2007 titled “Jah Victory.”
Blondy was named as United Nations Ambassador of Peace for Cote D’Ivoire in 2005 and continuously remains dedicated to his humanitarian efforts through his charitable foundation Alpha Blondy Jah Glory. His mission is to eradicate generational poverty by providing grass roots social programs that are beneficial to the lives of underprivileged children and women from villages within Africa and Haiti.
The foundation’s remarkable programs are Tafari Genesis Retreat Camp and the Micro Loan Program. The camp is considered a safe haven, and escape, for many children who are victims of civil war, and chronic life threatening illnesses like sickle-cell anemia, AIDS and malaria. Alpha Blondy believes, “It should not hurt to be a child.” The plague of HIV and AIDS is causing many children to become orphans who are left to be raised by elders or grandmothers.
The Micro Loan Program provides training and financing as little as $50.00 U.S. dollars to assist women who have become head of households to manage, operate, and start their own businesses. Overall, Alpha Blondy empowers communities to become self sufficient by learning and utilizing basic skills. This concept generates opportunities for many women to maintain their integrity, rebuild confidence as well as provide for their families.
Source: Jamati
The origins of the crowd ranged from Brooklynites, to people from Latin America, the Caribbean, and the Diaspora of Africa. The celebration and dancing to the rhythms of his dynamic 12-piece band, the Solar System was non-stop. Alpha’s poignant songs for the evening where Cocody Rock and Peace in Liberia. He unified and uplifted his fans by combining a mini speech with chants into the microphone “Peace in Iraq, Peace in Afghanistan, Peace in Israel and Palestine, Peace in Sudan, Peace in Eritrea…” In the early months of 2008, an American tour was scheduled and was canceled as a result of Alpha experiencing serious health problems. His latest CD was released in 2007 titled “Jah Victory.”
Blondy was named as United Nations Ambassador of Peace for Cote D’Ivoire in 2005 and continuously remains dedicated to his humanitarian efforts through his charitable foundation Alpha Blondy Jah Glory. His mission is to eradicate generational poverty by providing grass roots social programs that are beneficial to the lives of underprivileged children and women from villages within Africa and Haiti.
The foundation’s remarkable programs are Tafari Genesis Retreat Camp and the Micro Loan Program. The camp is considered a safe haven, and escape, for many children who are victims of civil war, and chronic life threatening illnesses like sickle-cell anemia, AIDS and malaria. Alpha Blondy believes, “It should not hurt to be a child.” The plague of HIV and AIDS is causing many children to become orphans who are left to be raised by elders or grandmothers.
The Micro Loan Program provides training and financing as little as $50.00 U.S. dollars to assist women who have become head of households to manage, operate, and start their own businesses. Overall, Alpha Blondy empowers communities to become self sufficient by learning and utilizing basic skills. This concept generates opportunities for many women to maintain their integrity, rebuild confidence as well as provide for their families.
Source: Jamati
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Forty million South Africans without medical aid
Only about 14% of South Africans belong to a medical aid scheme, the Health Systems Trust (HST) said on Monday.
This left a balance of more than 40-million people without cover and dependent on the public health sector, spokesperson Fiorenza Monticelli said in a statement distributed at the health informatics SA conference held in Johannesburg.
Source: Mail & Guardian
This left a balance of more than 40-million people without cover and dependent on the public health sector, spokesperson Fiorenza Monticelli said in a statement distributed at the health informatics SA conference held in Johannesburg.
Source: Mail & Guardian
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