Medscheme refurbishes the Johannesburg Hospital School

Yesterday saw the official unveiling of the newly refurbished Johannesburg Hospital School, and the beginning of Medscheme’s long-term relationship with the school as one of its primary Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.

The Johannesburg Hospital School exists to bring normality to the lives of chronically and terminally ill children by providing continued education for long-term patients at the hospital.

Pictured right: André Meyer, Medscheme CEO with the students of the Johannesburg Hospital School at the official unveiling of its newly refurbished classrooms and learning facilities. Medscheme recently embarked on a long-term relationship with the school as one of its primary Corporate Social Investment (CSI) initiatives.

Operating under the auspices of the Department of Education, the school works with Grade R to Grade 12 learners, admitted to the hospital to be treated for long periods of time. The school provides learners with an opportunity to receive medical treatment while not losing out on their schooling, and facilitates a smooth transition from the hospital school to the children’s own home schools once treatment is completed.

Medscheme recently embarked on the relationship with the school with an initial contribution of R 500,000.00 towards its refurbishment. The health and education of children forms the heart of Medscheme’s CSI policy, “We believe that education is the basis for future growth in the South African economy and job market, and are committed to the healthcare industry through our association with synergistic healthcare CSI programmes” says André Meyer, Medscheme CEO.

“The dedication of the teachers to the wellbeing of these children, both physically and mentally is inspirational, and Medscheme is privileged to make a difference through its involvement with a project such as this, one that will have a significant impact on our industry and society at large,” says Meyer.

“The children and the staff are thrilled about the new classrooms and learning facilities. Our improved learning conditions have significantly contributed to creating a positive environment in which the children are thriving,” says Ronel van Biljon, Principal of the Johannesburg Hospital School.

The school offers a wide range of activities such as computer skills, life skills programme, crafts, singing and remedial for reading and writing. Van Biljon says this gives the children something to focus on other than their illness and subsequent stay at the hospital.

“Medscheme endeavours to form meaningful partnerships through its CSI initiatives and we have a long-term commitment to the Johannesburg Hospital School. The renovation of the school is a preliminary investment and plans are in place to sustain the relationship we have with the school in order to really make an impact on our communities” concludes Meyer.

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Obakeng Mookeletsi, Department of Health: Deputy Director General and Dr Anna Mokgokong, Medscheme Chairman, dancing with students at the official unveiling of the newly refurbished Johannesburg Hospital School, looked after by Medscheme.

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Yvonne Motsisi, Medscheme Executive Director: Group Marketing &Communications; Obakeng Mookeletsi, Department of Health: Deputy Director General; Ronel van Biljon, Principal of the Johannesburg Hospital School; Dr Anna Mokgokong Medscheme Chairman and Sagie PIllay CEO of the Johannesburg General Hospital cut the ribbon at the official unveiling of the newly refurbished Johannesburg Hospital School, looked after by Medscheme.