Operation Smile South Africa’s Post

The President of the Uganda Medical Association, Dr. Herbert Luswata, delivers a compelling message asking government officials to received treatment in country rather than using precious public resources that drain investment in healthcare facilities and staff training. When leaders leave a country to consume medical services elsewhere, public trust and confidence is eroded. This message is a familiar one echoed in many developing countries - a message that has largely been ignored. If leaders continue to seek treatment abroad, why not call for them to pay out of pocket, minimizing the financial impact of their expensive choices? Revised public policy measures & more rigorous medical tourism standards could help if there is political will. #Uganda #MedicalTourism #Investment #StaffTraining #UgandaMedicalAssociation #PublicPolicy #MedicalTourismStandards https://ow.ly/PWFJ50QHKPG

*FREE MEDICAL OUTREACH* In a concerted effort to address the healthcare needs of underserved communities, a team of dedicated healthcare volunteers embarked on a transformative journey to Izzi Local Government Area in Ebonyi State. Set against the picturesque backdrop of this area in Ebonyi, this free medical outreach aimed to bridge the gap in healthcare accessibility, offering vital services to those in need. From the moment the outreach began, the impact was palpable. The team worked tirelessly to provide comprehensive medical care to residents who often lack access to even basic healthcare services. Patients streamed in, eager to receive much-needed medical attention. From general check-ups to specialized consultations, every aspect of healthcare was addressed with compassion and expertise. Preventive services such as health education sessions played a crucial role in empowering individuals to take charge of their well-being. But the impact extended beyond the confines of medical treatment. By fostering a sense of community and solidarity, the outreach event served as a catalyst for positive change. Residents, many of whom face economic hardship and geographical isolation, found solace in knowing that their health concerns were being addressed with care and dignity. Moreover, the outreach event served as a platform for collaboration and capacity-building especially with other notable bodies. Local healthcare providers had the opportunity to exchange knowledge and skills with visiting professionals, strengthening the healthcare infrastructure from within. As the sun set on Izzi LGA, the echoes of gratitude reverberated through the air. Lives had been touched, hope had been restored, and a brighter future lay on the horizon. Through this free medical humanitarian outreach, the bonds of compassion transcended boundaries, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all involved. *PLEASE LIKE,COMMENT AND FOLLOW US* #SDGs #medicaloutreach #ngos #usaid #tonyelumelufoundation #ebonyistate #Nigeria

The President of the Uganda Medical Association, Dr. Herbert Luswata, delivers a compelling message asking government officials to receive treatment in country rather than using precious financial resources that drain investment in healthcare facilities and staff training. When leaders leave a country to consume medical services elsewhere, public trust and confidence is eroded. This message is a familiar one echoed in many developing countries - a message that has largely been ignored. If leaders want to leave to receive treatment abroad, why not call for them to pay out of pocket, minimizing the financial impact of their expensive choices? #Uganda #MedicalTourism #Investment #StaffTraining #UgandaMedicalAssociation

The National Black Nurses Foundation (NBNF) in partnership with 1JoshuaGroup (1JG) is working to increase awareness of the underdeveloped healthcare systems. Three (3) virtual symposia leading up to an in-person conference (Accra, Ghana January 2025) will explore the need for radical solutions with innovative thought to break the current impasse in service delivery and provide physicians, nurses, and healthcare advocates worldwide with an evidenced-based action plan to reduce the impact of health and medical challenges. This conference will address Global Health Research and Practice to include interdisciplinary education, training, and practice.   The first Symposium, "Innovation in Healthcare Delivery to Advance Health and Prevent Disease in Africa," features a keynote presentation from George A. Mensah, MD (NHLBI) and a panel discussion to address (1) strengthening primary health care;(2) embracing technology and data; and (3) financing and sustaining innovation.   For more information and registration, visit https://lnkd.in/e-GA2eC8  

As part of our administration’s commitment to giving back to the community, the Nigerian Universities Engineering Students’ Association (NUESA) took a significant step toward improving the health and well-being of the indigenes of our university’s host community. Recognizing the importance of accessible healthcare, we organized a medical outreach aimed at providing essential health services to those in need. Objectives of the Medical Outreach : The primary objective of our medical outreach was to address the healthcare needs of the local community, many of whom lacked access to regular medical services. We sought to bridge this gap by bringing healthcare professionals directly to the people, ensuring that they received the care and attention they deserved. Services Provided : During the outreach, we provided a wide range of medical services to the indigenes. These included general health check-ups, blood pressure and glucose level monitoring, malaria testing, and distribution of essential medications. Additionally, we offered health education sessions to raise awareness about common health issues, preventive measures, and the importance of regular medical check-ups. Collaboration with Healthcare Professionals To ensure the success of this initiative, we partnered with a team of dedicated healthcare professionals. Their expertise was invaluable in diagnosing and treating various health conditions, as well as in offering professional advice and guidance to the community members. This collaboration was a critical factor in the outreach's effectiveness, allowing us to deliver high-quality healthcare services to those in need. Community Engagement and Impact : The response from the host community was overwhelmingly positive. Many residents expressed their gratitude for the services provided, noting that it had been a long time since they had access to such comprehensive healthcare free of charge. The outreach not only addressed immediate health concerns but also fostered a sense of community and mutual support. By directly engaging with the indigenes, we were able to better understand their needs and challenges, further strengthening the bond between the university and its host community. Sustaining the Initiative : We laid the groundwork for future NUESA administrations to continue this vital work, ensuring that the medical outreach becomes a regular and sustainable initiative. Conclusion : The medical outreach to the indigenes of our host community stands as a testament to our administration’s dedication to the well-being of those around us. By providing essential healthcare services and fostering a sense of community, we have made a lasting difference in the lives of the residents. Our administration is proud to have led this initiative, and we are committed to continuing our efforts to give back to the community in meaningful and impactful ways.

Quick survey: Independent privately owned hospitals make up roughly 1/3 of Private facilities in South Africa. The Private Healthcare sector in South Africa is one of the best in the world and it is a well known fact that it serves a disproportionate percentage of the population compared to State Hospitals. Providing universal coverage to all South Africans through the NHI is promulgated. Although a lot of work still has to be done to roll this out (and we will not go into this here) it will bring about significant change to the sector. Notwithstanding, there are still a significant number of applications launched with the various Provincial Departments of Health, by independent applicants to develop Private Hospitals. The question is; what are the major barriers to entry, is it: 1. The regulatory process with the DOH? 2. Access to funding? 3. Access to doctors and specialists? 4. Nursing staff availability and quality skills? 5. Being able to register as a Designated Service Provider (DSP) with Medical aids? 6. Or any other? Let us know by return comment. Deon

Expert talking with Yevhen Prylypko about family medicine, the quality at the primary care level, and the role of local government authorities. Family medicine has been the most active field for donor projects in Ukraine since the beginning of the medical reform, which is understandable. The priority and importance of primary health care (PHC) are undeniable. During this time, international partners have invested hundreds of millions of dollars in numerous projects. Many visions of what primary care should be like, what functions it should perform, and how it should be financed have been created. Discussions continue, and experiments are ongoing through pilot projects and training sessions supported by various international technical assistance projects. However, to this day: • There is no chosen target model for primary health care or defined criteria for proper medical practice in PHC, making it unclear what the goals are, how much is needed to achieve them, and whether current resources are sufficient. • Given the significant differences in the working conditions of primary care caused by the ongoing war, it is unclear whether a single model for the entire country is needed or whether different regions (community groups) should determine their own models of healthcare delivery based on the needs of the population and the situational context to ensure at least the accessibility of basic medical services. • Local governments (LGs), as the de facto founders of medical institutions, have not become full-fledged owners of these institutions, and this issue extends beyond the primary care level. Investing in healthcare, especially primary care, is not an obvious priority for LG leaders, as they constantly hear that "the state has paid for everything from the central budget." This message is emphasized to community leaders, especially in discussions about local misuse of funds. • On the other hand, LGs are practically excluded from decision-making processes in healthcare, even though they are the largest employers, and the majority of healthcare workers operate within their networks. LGs lack agency at the state level, even within the framework of social dialogue, and they do not have sufficient capacity, tools, or often the competencies to manage community health effectively. Most interventions, contacts, activities, communications, and support projects occur at the level of the Ministry of Health, National Health Service of Ukraine, medical facilities, and Donors – in varying order. #Ukraine #PHC #family_medicine #medical_reforming #healthcare

Pediatric health innovation in Europe is still facing many challenges. This report is an insightful analysis of most of them

A Multidisciplinary Team (MDT) Meeting is a collaborative approach in healthcare where professionals from various disciplines come together to discuss and plan care for patients with complex needs. Depending on the patient's condition and requirements, these teams typically include specialists such as doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, social workers, dietitians, and other healthcare providers. Key Aspects of MDT Meetings: 1. Collaboration: MDT meetings involve a range of healthcare professionals working together to provide comprehensive and coordinated care for patients. This interdisciplinary approach ensures that all patient care aspects are addressed. 2. Patient-Centered Care: The primary focus is creating a holistic care plan considering various perspectives and expertise. This can lead to more effective and personalized treatment strategies. 3. Case Discussions: The team reviews and discusses individual patient cases, including diagnosis, treatment options, and care plans. This may include reviewing patient histories, test results, and treatment outcomes. 4. Shared Decision-Making: MDT meetings facilitate shared decision-making, where input from all team members is valued in developing and implementing treatment plans. Earning CPD Points from MDT Meetings: In many healthcare systems, including South Africa, participating in MDT meetings can indeed contribute to CPD (Continuous Professional Development) points. Here’s how: 1. Educational Value: MDT meetings offer valuable learning experiences through exposure to diverse perspectives and complex case discussions. This can enhance your knowledge and skills in patient care. 2. Professional Development: Actively participating in MDT meetings demonstrates engagement in collaborative practice, which is an essential aspect of professional development. 3. Documenting Participation: It is important to keep records of your attendance and participation (including meeting agendas, minutes, and any learning outcomes/contributions made). It is also important that you sign any attendance registers present. 4. Check with Professional Bodies:   - HPCSA Guidelines: For medical professionals in South Africa, consult the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) or other relevant bodies to understand how MDT meeting participation can be accredited for CPD points. Maximizing CPD from MDT Meetings: In order to maximize your experience from attending MDT Meetings make sure to engage actively, reflect and document your participation, and seek accreditation (if not already done). By participating in MDT meetings and understanding how they fit into CPD frameworks, healthcare professionals can enhance their skills and contribute to comprehensive patient care while earning valuable CPD points. 🌟🩺 #CPD #Healthcare #MultidisciplinaryTeam #ProfessionalDevelopment #PatientCare #SouthAfrica #ContinuousLearning

Attention healthcare professionals! 🩺 Are you passionate about advancing pediatric healthcare innovation in Europe? If so, this report is for you. Dive into the findings of i4KIDS I i4KIDS-EUROPE study and join them in breaking down barriers to shape the future of healthcare for children.