Netcare stepped into the breach
IT WOULD have cost Netcare Hospital Group R15million to provide care, medication and highly specialised around-the-clock services to over 700 patients transferred from public hospitals to their facilities during the public service strike.
But, the group will not charge the state for its services as it considers its involvement as a humanitarian effort.
Netcare chief executive Richard Friedland said: "Everyone involved, including Netcare 911, has rendered their services for free.
"We treated more than 730 patients who were unable to access care from public institutions during the strike. Those assisted were extremely sick and vulnerable patients.
"Under normal circumstances our services would possibly have cost in the region of R15million.
"It was hard for all of us to see the overwhelming need of the patients, especially of the little rescued babies.
"Most of those that we took in are doing extremely well and many have already been discharged from hospital.
"That has been most rewarding for all of us."
Netcare was the first private hospital group to lend a hand when the state needed it the most. Their work started on the first day of the strike at Natalspruit Hospital in Ekurhuleni - when it helped transfer 53 babies to Garden City Clinic. This continued countrywide and last week it recorded an intake of 730 patients.
Gauteng Health MEC Qedani Mahlangu confirmed in Johannesburg yesterday that the state would not have to pay private health groups for the accommodation and care of the patients.
She said this was according to an agreement made when the strike began. "We will be paying for drips, cotton wool and other consumables used. Our doctors were used to treat patients moved to private facilities."
Shima
i'm impressed. but the state won't ever pay for anythind. Dankie ya DarkieReport Abuse
