Prof Praneet Valodia.
The South African health sector’s highest accolades, the Titanium Awards, are proving their mettle as a benchmark for excellence in the industry.
The second annual Titanium Awards, were given out during a gala dinner at the 17th annual Board of Healthcare Funders conference, which was held in Cape Town this week.
“Awards like these are important, not just because they recognise excellence but also because they bring the industry together,” said Professor Shan Naidoo from the Wits School of Public Health. “It is not just about celebrating achievements; the process also creates a space for common challenges to be recognised and discussed.”
He was one of five independent judges who adjudicated the winners under the watchful eye of KMPG auditors. He was joined by Dr Sarah Barber, Dr Carol Marshall, Professor Ames Dhai and Professor Stuart Whittaker.
“The competition was tight in only one of the 11 categories. We were all disappointed that there were no entrants in the Health Facilities: Private Sector section, but all the entrants in the other categories were of the highest calibre,” he said.
For Professor Praneet Valodia, the winner of the Lifetime Achievement Award, “To know that one’s work has been recognised is probably the most important thing”.
With over 30 years’ experience in managed healthcare, public health, pharmaceutical policy and training, Professor Valodia accredits his innovative thinking about healthcare to his training in research and innovation in the academic environment. “That’s what I have brought to managed health,” he said. “I’ve been able to do things differently.”
Doing things differently is also close to the heart of the Young Achiever Award winner, Dr Logandraan Naidoo, Senior Manager of Medical Services at Grey’s Hospital. He has introduced Lean thinking as a philosophy and an agency to strengthen healthcare management at this public tertiary hospital in Pietermaritzburg.
Lean thinking originated in the Toyota production system but Dr Naidoo has used it to establish a unique mix of highly effective ways of improving outputs of healthcare managers.
His greatest wish for the healthcare industry in South Africa is to have Lean thinkers in all hospitals and healthcare service providers in the country. He is currently working on the development of a tool to predict success for the rapid initiation of Lean in hospitals in South Africa, as part of his PhD.
“If I could wave a magic wand for instant change, I would want the public and private sectors to unify in implementing a strategy to provide optimal healthcare for all without any exorbitant fees,” he said. “I feel that superfluous profit-making and healthcare provision is an antithesis.”
Sustainability and affordability are key drivers for Medscheme, which won Titanium Awards for service excellence in the Administrators and Managed Health Entities categories. The company was also named the BHF Member of the Year.
“We are extremely honoured to receive these prestigious awards. They reflect our commitment to providing high quality and innovative solutions for our clients,” said Kevin Aron, Medscheme CEO.
“They are a confirmation that we are on the right track to solving important healthcare issues.
“If we could change just one thing in the healthcare environment we would like to see the end of the fragmentation of care. This is a critical shortcoming in South Africa’s healthcare system. We believe that this can be addressed by mobilising all stakeholders to adhere to a common goal of sustainable and cost-effective care,” he said.
Potchefstroom Hospital CEO, Ms Gloria Tlhapi, was delighted about winning the Titanium Award for Health Facilities in the Public Sector.
“We make people's lives a priority in all aspects, meeting their needs and serving them with dignity,” she said. “At Potchefstroom Hospital, we ensure that the services we offer are relevant and are aligned with Batho Pele principles. I want to thank the members of 'Team Potch Hospital', they deserve this!”
The full list of winners is:
Service to membership - Open Medical Schemes
Bonitas
Service to membership - Closed Medical Schemes
Old Mutual / Omsmaf
Service Excellence - Managed Health Entities
Medscheme
Service Excellence - Administrators
Medscheme
Health Facilities - Public Sector
Potchefstroom Hospital
Excellence in Corporate Social Investment
Public Health Enhancement Fund
Young Achiever Award
Dr Logandraan Naidoo
Lifetime Achievement Award
Prof Praneet Valodia
BHF Member of the Year
Medscheme
Advisory Services Excellence
Alexander Forbes (Pty) Ltd
Get the latest issue of FAnews