Honouring SA Doctors With National Doctors’ Day

In recognition of the critical role that South African doctors play in the healthy functioning of South African society, 16 November has been declared national Doctors’ Day.

“Doctors play a critical role in meeting the healthcare needs of our nation,” says Dr Bettina Taylor, clinical risk specialist at EthiQal, a division of Constantia Insurance Company Limited, the company at the head of the campaign.

Constantia Insurance urges all South Africans to show appreciation of their doctor on Doctors’ Day, and to share their stories of how a doctor has positively impacted their lives.*

“It is important to acknowledge every doctor’s contribution, be it in private practice or the public healthcare system, and whether they run primary care outpatient clinics or perform intricate surgeries,” Dr Taylor explains.

The Doctors’ Day campaign aims to create awareness around the need to protect and appreciate South African doctors, and to assure them that their contributions are recognised and valued. But it’s also to encourage insurers and other parties to come up with solutions that will aid doctors and doctors-in-training in overcoming industry challenges.

Challenges

Dr David Green, divisional head of health at Constantia Insurance Company Limited, says, “It’s no secret, the circumstances under which doctors in South Africa work can at best be described as not ideal, and it’s made worse by the disease burden in the country."

Dr Taylor adds, “The complexities of setting up and running a successful private practice are daunting.”

Challenges include:

• Uncertain and ever-changing regulatory environment
• Complicated and poorly defined third-party payment structures
• Inefficient medical scheme administration systems
• A massive increase in professional indemnity fees

Volker von Widdern, CEO of Constantia Insurance Company Limited, says it’s vital that South Africa retains healthcare professionals, especially as the country is in the process of transforming its healthcare system. “We already have a shortage of medical professionals and can’t afford to lose our doctors to other professions or countries,” Von Widdern explains. “Our doctors are a national asset and must be protected.”

* You can SMS "HeroDoctor" to 33766 or visit doctorsday.co.za to tell your story. There are five prizes of R2 000 each for the five best hero-doctor stories.