Author: admin

Guud Partners with the Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium to Enhance Driver Health and Wellness.

Posted on by admin

In a groundbreaking move aimed at prioritizing the health and well-being of truck drivers, Guud is proud to announce its sponsorship of the upcoming annual Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium, hosted by The Department of Transport in collaboration with the SaferStops Association. As a sponsor of this significant event, Guud is committed to revolutionizing the landscape of driver health and safety.

Central to our sponsorship is the provision of three cutting-edge Shayela Mobile Assessment Centers (MACs), strategically positioned to conduct 180 comprehensive health assessments. These assessments encompass a range of vital services tailored to optimize driver well-being.

The holistic approach taken by Guud includes full optometry tests, ensuring that drivers’ vision is finely tuned for the demands of the road. Additionally, a comprehensive personal health check will be administered, addressing key health markers to empower drivers with the knowledge needed to make informed lifestyle choices.

Furthermore, recognizing the administrative burdens often faced by drivers, Guud is committed to streamlining the process of PrDP (Professional Driving Permit) license application and renewal. Through our sponsorship, drivers will receive the necessary auditable PrDP documents upon leaving the MAC, simplifying and expediting their annual renewal process.

“We are thrilled to be at the forefront of promoting truck driver health and wellness,” says, Mari de Villiers, Head of Marketing and Communications at Guud. “Our sponsorship of the Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium underscores our unwavering dedication to supporting the backbone of our transportation industry. By providing comprehensive health assessments and easing administrative burdens, we aim to ensure that drivers can continue to perform at their peak while prioritizing their own well-being.”

Guud invites all attendees of the Truck Safety & Wellness Symposium to visit our Shayela Mobile Assessment Centers and experience firsthand the transformative impact of our health and wellness initiatives.

Together, let us drive towards a safer, healthier future for all drivers.

Back On The Road With Discovery’s Safe Journeys To School Programme

Posted on by admin

In the final quarter of 2023, Guud worked with the Discovery Safe Journeys To School (DSJTS) programme to provide scholar drivers with a full health assessment and a comprehensive eye test as part of our joint commitment to enable these scholar transporters the chance to assess their health as drivers.

Transforming Driver Health

We witnessed remarkable transformations in driver health, from improved vision to the adoption of proactive healthcare measures. The distribution of spectacles proved transformative, with drivers recognizing the paramount importance of eye health. This sparked inquiries and created awareness within the community.

Addressing Primary Healthcare Challenges

In the domain of primary healthcare, our program tackled challenges such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity. A pivotal moment occurred when a driver was deemed ineligible to apply for a PrDP, prompting a proactive referral that potentially averted a future heart attack or stroke. This incident emphasizes the programme’s commitment to a comprehensive approach to driver health and wellness.

Impact Beyond Roads and Spectacles

The impact of our initiative goes beyond individual health, reaching into the lives of families. A heartwarming encounter with a grateful driver highlighted the programme’s role in alleviating economic burdens. When faced with the dilemma of broken spectacles versus providing food for her family, the initiative became a beacon of hope. The genuine gratitude expressed reflects the program’s tangible and far-reaching effects on the communities it serves.

These impactful stories stand as testaments to the Discovery Safe Journeys To School Programme, (implemented by Afrika Tikkun) and their steadfast commitment to holistic driver well-being. Beyond issuing spectacles, distributing medical prescriptions as well as Optometry and National Medical Certificates (both required for the application and/or renewal of a driver’s PrDP), the Shayela Programme is sparking conversations and catalyzing positive change, fostering a culture of well-being that extends beyond the roads.

MAC’s on the Road: Catalyzing Positive Change

Our MAC’s (Mobile Assessment Centres) are on the road again, driven by the inspiring impact stories that fuel our team’s dedication to steering the vision of change in 2024 and building upon the successes witnessed in 2023.

In line with Afrika Tikkun’s commitment to the Discovery Safe Journeys to School, their efforts align seamlessly with the Western Cape’s Government operation to ensure compliance with transport regulations. As schools reopened in January 2024, various scholar transport enforcement operations took place in the province. Western Cape Provincial Traffic Officers, alongside the Provincial Regulatory Entity (PRE) and the City of Cape Town, diligently checked operating licenses, vehicles, and driver fitness. Read the full article here.

Shattering Boundaries: Chinyere Smith’s Empowering Story

Posted on by admin

As Women’s Month draws to a close, we reflect on the incredible stories of strength, resilience, and determination that have graced our lives. Among these stories, one empowering story stands out- the remarkable journey of Chinyere Smith, affectionately known as Chi-Chi.

Chinyere grew up in the vibrant township of Gugulethu, where life tested her with both love and loss. After her mother’s untimely passing, she leaned on her father and a network of aunts for support. The challenges she faced during her upbringing only fortified her resolve.

The Academic Struggle

In 2018, Chinyere graduated from high school with dreams of higher education. She enrolled at the University of the Free State to pursue a Bachelor of Arts in Communication Sciences and Psychology. However, the weight of academic pressure proved formidable, causing her to temporarily step away from her studies in 2020. Her attempts to return in 2021 were met with various hurdles, plunging her into the depths of depression.

Empowering Hope: Chinyere Smith’s Glimmer of Opportunity

Amid the darkest moments of her life, when she was unemployed and not engaged in any educational or training programs, a glimmer of hope emerged. Chinyere discovered the opportunity to become a female delivery motorcyclist through the Your Bike Club programme, which is sponsored by the USAID and Commercial Transportation Academy.

Chinyere exhibited remarkable courage when she decided to apply for this life-changing learnership program sponsored by USAID and CTA. Her journey began with a call for interviews and culminated in her selection for the learnership.

From Psychology to Motorcycle Mastery: Transformation

Transitioning from the world of psychology to the roaring engines of motorcycles presented no small challenge. Even on a scooter, she initially grappled with balance issues. However, with unwavering determination, she eventually switched to a manual motorbike and unearthed a sense of liberation she had never known before. The motorcycle became her sanctuary, a place where she felt truly at home.

The Empowering Learnership Program

This learnership program, marked by an 80% female and 20% male composition, aims to empower participants on multiple fronts. It begins by assisting them in acquiring a learner’s license and then guides them through the intricate art of motorcycle riding. Simultaneously, they receive invaluable soft skills training, encompassing everything from job readiness to customer service and mental health education.

Empowering the Mind and Beyond

Chinyere’s personal experience underscored the importance of mental health support within these programs, as she grappled with depression during her initial integration. This journey acted as a catalyst, prompting the learnership providers to incorporate mental health education into their curriculum.

Endless Opportunities

Upon completing the program, these determined individuals open the door to a world of career opportunities. From last-mile delivery to serving as couriers for various industries, a multitude of paths await them. Remarkably, many women leverage this learnership to either empower their own businesses or embark on entrepreneurial journeys.

The Power of Sisterhood

The female participants have forged a unique sisterhood, characterized by unwavering support and camaraderie. They cheer each other on, exemplifying the resilience and strength that arise when women unite in pursuit of common goals.

Chinyere’s Aspirations

Looking ahead, Chinyere aspires to become a professional motorcycle trainer, establishing her own business in the process. Her immediate goal, upon graduation, is to immerse herself in the world of last-mile delivery, an industry where she believes her newfound skills will shine.

A Message of Empowerment

As Women’s Month comes to a close, Chinyere Smith’s story resonates deeply. It serves as a powerful reminder of the boundless potential inherent in every woman. Her journey from academic challenges to motorcycle mastery encapsulates the essence of Women’s Month – celebrating the strength, resilience, and indomitable spirit of women everywhere.

Chinyere’s story is not just about her; it’s about every woman who has faced adversity and emerged stronger. It’s about seizing opportunities, prioritizing mental health, and fostering unbreakable bonds of sisterhood. Chi-Chi reminds us that when women join forces to support each other, no obstacle is insurmountable, no dream is out of reach, and no goal is too ambitious.

As we bid farewell to Women’s Month, let us carry Chinyere Smith’s message forward. Let us be inspired to embrace our roots, conquer our challenges, and empower ourselves and those around us.

This article is made possible by the Commercial Transportation Academy (CTA), which is at the forefront of empowering women in the commercial transportation industry through initiatives like Your Bike Club. To discover more, click here. 

If you loved Chinyere’s story you will love this one!

Driving Health and Safety: Navigating the Well-Being of Commercial Drivers for a Safer Tomorrow.

Posted on by admin

The Essential Role of Commercial Drivers in Modern Economies

Commercial transportation drivers play a pivotal role in modern economies by ensuring the efficient movement of goods and services across vast distances. Their significance is underscored by the fact that without them, industries would grind to a halt, supply chains would collapse, and essential products would be inaccessible. However, the importance of these drivers is inseparable from their health, which directly impacts their ability to perform their duties safely and effectively.

The Interplay Between Health and Safe Driving Performance

One of the most prevalent health concerns among commercial transportation drivers is hypertension. The nature of their work often involves long hours of sedentary activity, irregular mealtimes, and exposure to high-stress situations. These factors can contribute to hypertension, which in turn increases the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other health complications. Hypertension not only jeopardizes drivers’ well-being but also puts them at a higher risk of accidents due to its impact on cognitive function and physical capabilities.

Lack of sleep is another critical issue affecting commercial drivers. The demanding schedules, the need to meet tight deadlines, and the extended hours on the road often result in insufficient rest. Sleep deprivation can impair reaction times, decision-making abilities, and concentration, all of which are vital for safe driving. Fatigued drivers are more prone to lapses in attention and increased reaction times, leading to a greater likelihood of accidents.

Maintaining Clear Eyesight for Safer Driving

Poor eyesight is yet another concern that can lead to accidents. Long hours on the road can strain drivers’ eyes, and over time, this strain can contribute to vision problems. Uncorrected vision impairments can lead to difficulties in judging distances, recognizing road signs, and identifying potential hazards. Regular eye examinations and corrective measures are essential to ensuring that drivers can perform their duties safely.

Combatting Driver Fatigue and Its Implications

The demanding nature of commercial driving often results in extended hours behind the wheel, leading to driver fatigue. Fatigue impairs drivers’ cognitive abilities and reaction times, which can result in accidents. The pressure to deliver goods on tight schedules can create a vicious cycle where drivers sacrifice rest to meet deadlines, further compromising their health and safety.

Addressing Mental Health Amidst Industry Pressures

Pressure to deliver on schedule, coupled with the stress of the job, can also have detrimental effects on drivers’ mental health. Chronic stress can lead to a range of issues including anxiety, depression, and even substance abuse. Mental health problems not only impact drivers’ overall well-being but also their ability to focus and make sound decisions while on the road.

Insurers and Employers: Partners in Driver Well-Being

Insurers and employers have a vested interest in the health and well-being of commercial transportation drivers. Accidents involving commercial vehicles can result in substantial financial losses, including damage to vehicles, cargo, infrastructure, and potential legal liabilities. By covering the cost of accidents and providing support for drivers’ health, insurers can help mitigate these risks.

Employers also have a responsibility to prioritize the health of their drivers. Offering comprehensive health benefits, wellness programs, and promoting healthy lifestyle choices can go a long way in ensuring the long-term well-being of their workforce. Companies that invest in the health and safety of their drivers are likely to benefit from improved retention rates, reduced accidents, and better overall operational efficiency.

Enhancing Driver Well-Being through Comprehensive Truck Stops

To further enhance the well-being of commercial drivers, the establishment of truck stops with comprehensive facilities is crucial. These truck stops should provide showers, reasonably priced and nutritious food options, gyms, and recreation facilities. Such amenities would allow drivers to maintain their hygiene, access balanced meals, engage in physical activity, and unwind, thus addressing many of the health challenges they face.

Truck stops that offer these facilities can have a profound positive impact on drivers’ health. Access to showers allows drivers to maintain personal hygiene, reducing the risk of skin infections and promoting their overall well-being. Offering reasonably priced and nutritious food options ensures that drivers can make healthier dietary choices, combating issues like hypertension and obesity. On-site gyms and recreation facilities provide opportunities for physical exercise, helping drivers combat the sedentary nature of their work and promoting cardiovascular health.

Safety: A Cornerstone of Truck Stop Design and Driver Well-Being

Safety is another crucial factor that cannot be overlooked. These truck stops should be designed with safety in mind, providing secure parking areas and well-lit environments. This not only prevents accidents and theft but also contributes to the mental well-being of drivers, allowing them to rest without constant worries about their safety.

Safeguarding the Future: Prioritizing Driver Health for Industry Success

In conclusion, commercial transportation drivers are the backbone of modern economies, ensuring the smooth movement of goods and services. However, their health is paramount to their ability to perform their duties safely and efficiently. Addressing health concerns such as hypertension, sleep deprivation, poor eyesight, and stress is vital to reducing accidents and maintaining the viability of the industry. The support of insurers and employers, coupled with the establishment of truck stops with comprehensive facilities, can contribute to improved driver well-being, reduced accidents, and enhanced industry performance. By recognizing the importance of driver health and investing in their well-being, society can ensure the continued success of the commercial transportation sector.

Female Truck Driver Embraces the Open Road!

Posted on by admin

In the bustling world of trucking, where long stretches of highways crisscross the country, an inspiring tale of courage and determination shines through. Meet Nomzamo, a 28-year-old female truck driver with an unyielding spirit and a passion for adventure. Life’s challenges have not stopped her from living her dream, embracing the open road.

Her Journey Begins: Overcoming Adversity and Finding Purpose

Nomzamo’s journey began in Pretoria, where she pursued her dreams of studying Geology. However, life took an unexpected turn when her mother passed away during her final year. Which left her in deep grief and unable to complete her studies. After spending a year at home, she found work in the insurance industry and simultaneously pursued a BCom in financial management. During a work trip, she encountered a woman in her mid-forties driving a truck; this encounter piqued her curiosity about the trucking industry.

Discovering Her True Calling

Fuelled by curiosity, Nomzamo sought to explore the world of trucking, which would change her life forever. She decided to enrol in the Commercial Trucking Academy (CTA), where she discovered a path that would lead her to become a skilled and accomplished truck driver. CTA’s comprehensive driver training program equipped her with the necessary skills and knowledge to embark on a successful journey in the transport industry.

Life As A Female Truck Driver: Challenges & Triumphs

As a female truck driver in a predominantly male-dominated industry, Nomzamo finds herself as an inspiring anomaly. Despite facing challenges like inadequate bathrooms and poor-quality food at truck stops, she remains undeterred, appreciating the comfort of her truck’s bed and the safety measures provided by her company.

What She Loves About Being a Truck Driver: Embracing the Adventure

Nomzamo’s journey has led her to find unexpected fulfilment in the trucking industry. The immense sense of responsibility that comes with controlling a massive truck and traversing the country’s diverse landscapes fills her heart with joy. The hum of the trucks and the camaraderie among drivers add to her love for the profession, making each day on the road a thrilling adventure.

Breaking Stereotypes: Empowering Women in Trucking

Nomzamo stands as a beacon of strength and determination, determined to dispel stereotypes that suggest women can’t handle truck driving. Her remarkable driving skills have earned her respect among her male counterparts, who are often impressed by her prowess behind the wheel. She serves as living proof that passion and technology can keep women connected to their loved ones while embracing the life of a truck driver.

Prioritizing Safety: A Female Truck Driver’s Top Priority

Safety remains paramount in the trucking profession, and Nomzamo takes it seriously. Constant communication with her controller, carrying a tracking device, and diligently keeping her truck doors locked are just a few of the measures she takes to ensure her safety on the road. She is cautious when dealing with strangers, never stopping for pedestrians or unmarked vehicles asking for help.

Advice for Young Drivers: Navigating the Road to Success

Drawing from her own experiences, Nomzamo offers valuable advice to other young drivers, especially women. She emphasizes that one need not compromise femininity to excel in this industry, highlighting that it only requires driving skills and a calm demeanour when facing challenges. Nomzamo encourages embracing calculated risks, being mindful of fatigue, and finding contentment in the solitary nature of trucking.

The Traits of a Good Driver: Patience and Consideration

Nomzamo sees patience and consideration as essential qualities for a good truck driver. She understands the shared responsibility of road safety and makes a conscious effort to be considerate. This not only fosters a harmonious driving environment but also ensures a safer and more secure journey for everyone. Patience and consideration go hand in hand, and Nomzamo exemplifies how these attributes can positively impact the trucking experience.

Industry Improvements: Paving the Way for a Better Future

Nomzamo envisions a brighter future for the trucking industry, advocating for improved road quality and lighting in certain areas. She emphasizes the need for better facilities at truck stops, including adequate bathrooms and kitchens, to enhance drivers’ well-being. Access to health clinics in remote areas would also be instrumental, ensuring drivers receive prompt medical attention when required.

Nomzamo’s journey as a young female truck driver stands as a testament to the power of resilience, determination, and a passion for exploration. Her story challenges stereotypes and inspires others to pursue their dreams with unwavering dedication. As she continues her adventures on the open road, we stand in awe of her courage and commitment. Nomzamo shows us that the road to success is best travelled with determination and a sense of adventure.

Ready to embrace the open road like Nomzamo? If you’re an aspiring woman with a passion for adventure, we want to see more of you in the trucking industry! Explore the possibilities and discover the path to a rewarding career behind the wheel at the CTA’s website. Join us as we break stereotypes and empower women in trucking!

Enhancing Driver Well-being

Posted on by admin

In the pursuit of safer roads and enhancing driver well-being, a ground breaking solution has emerged, the Guud Driver Wellness Programme. This comprehensive driver-focused initiative utilizes a combination of mobility and technology to offer commercial drivers quick health assessments, optometry checkups, and compliance verifications through innovative Mobile Assessment Centers (MACs).

Enhancing Efficiency and Accuracy: Optometry Assessment

At the heart of the MAC is an advanced technology that revolutionizes the optometry assessment process. This innovative solution ensures accurate results and reduces the margin for error in evaluating a driver’s vision.

One of the key advantages of this technology is its streamlined approach, enabling efficient and accurate evaluations. By capturing all necessary refractive data, the assessments ensure that drivers receive timely and accurate prescriptions, leading to improved vision and safer driving experiences.

Enhancing Driver Well-being: Comprehensive Health Check

Another crucial aspect of the MAC is the comprehensive health check available to drivers. Within the convenience of a mobile environment, drivers can undergo a range of health assessments in just 15 minutes. The comprehensive evaluation offered ensures that commercial drivers meet the necessary health requirements and are fit to operate vehicles safely.

Taking a Proactive Approach: Protecting Driver Health

Ensuring the well-being of commercial drivers goes beyond just compliance and safety measures. It extends to the fundamental aspects of good eyesight and overall health. Recognizing the importance of this, companies should adopt a proactive approach to protecting the health of their staff members.

Maintaining optimal eyesight is crucial for commercial drivers, as it directly impacts their ability to navigate the roads safely. By providing regular optometry checkups and assessments, companies can identify any vision-related issues early on and take appropriate measures to address them. This not only enhances driver safety but also contributes to reducing accidents and associated costs.

Furthermore, prioritizing the overall health of commercial drivers is equally important. Healthy drivers are more likely to be alert, focused, and capable of making split-second decisions on the road. Regular health assessments, including checks for blood pressure, heart rate, and BMI, can identify potential health risks and enable timely interventions. Companies can mitigate the risks associated with health-related incidents, by taking proactive steps to ensure their drivers’ well-being.

Paving The Way for Driver Well-being

The MAC stands at the forefront of driver-focused solutions. Utilizing innovative approaches to promote health, safety, and compliance among commercial drivers, it brings quick and accurate assessments conveniently to drivers. This program showcases the power of mobility and technology for safer driver well-being.

RAF Drivers Wellness Programme

Posted on by admin

Summary

Forced to spend the majority of their lives on the roads, many truck, bus and taxi drivers do not have the time or money to undergo basic health checks. This not only endangers their lives, but the lives of all those on South Africa’s roads. In an effort to reduce the number of road accidents, the Department of Transport’s Road Accident Fund (RAF), along with partners, The Health Foundation, African Mobility Solutions and Guud, piloted The RAF Driver Wellness Programme – a mobile clinic, bringing free healthcare to drivers, on the job.

The challenge

Siphamandla Gumbi, RAF’s Senior Manager on Road Safety, attributes 20% of all road accidents in the country to  poor vision, lack of concentration, fatigue and dizzy spells. These are often the result of undiagnosed medical conditions, such as epilepsy, diabetes or high blood pressure, conditions that are relatively easy to identify and treat.

The active management of a driver’s chronic condition, or visual impairment, will radically improve their safety on the road, and yet due to access and unforgiving schedules, most of these drivers will not receive the help they need.

The Guud solution

Guud’s mobile solution brought this help to them, on the road. 

Meet Thato, one of the 44 000 truckers in South Africa. He spends an average of 10 months annually on the road. Thato suffered from constant migraines, which kept him overmedicated on painkillers.

In November 2022, Thato was offered a Guud mobility solution with the RAF Driver Wellness Programme. After  a comprehensive optometry and personal health assessment, at one of his truck stops, he was diagnosed with short-sightedness and immediately received glasses, on site. Now Thato’s headaches have been relieved, his driving vision corrected, resulting in a safer road for all.

Together with partners in the industry, Guud co-ordinated the design, manufacture and operation of a mobile health clinic, offering free healthcare services to truck, taxi and bus drivers on the job. With a dispensing nurse and an optometrist on board the mobile clinic can provide:

  • Personal Health Care (PHC) in the form of the monitoring of vitals, and testing for high blood pressure, anaemia and diabetes.
  • Optometry services, through eyesight tests and issuing free prescription glasses on site.

The pilot project was launched by the RAF in the Limpopo province (N1 Polokwane) on the  7 October 2022 and the bus has currently visited the following other provinces: KwaZulu-Natal (N2 Pongola), Northwest (N4 Rustenburg) and Mpumalanga (N4 Nelspruit).

Due to the success of the project more buses will be hitting the roads in 2023.

How does it work?

This mobile clinic bus can go almost anywhere. It has been built on a truck chassis giving it good ground clearance and helping it to reach remote and outlying areas with ease. 

It’s off the grid. All its power needs are met independently from an onboard generator, ensuring it is able to operate during power cuts. It also has a purpose-built water system with 120 litres of fresh water on board.

Always online, the bus features full internet connectivity. Ongoing reporting, feedback and communication is seamless, regardless of location.

The specialised RAF mobile unit is 12m in length, weighs 12 tons, and despite the complexity of its offering, only took three weeks to fit out internally and brand externally.

Guud’s mobility solutions create an extraordinary impact. Using mobility technology and innovation, Guud’s mobile solutions are positioned to creatively overcome many problems in service delivery.

For more information on our services, get in touch with us.

Strengthening health systems through mobility

Posted on by admin

The state of our healthcare system has caused our people to lose trust in the system. An overwhelming amount of evidence points to various challenges that negatively impact the quality of healthcare available to the communities. Despite countless quality improvement programs initiated, adapted, modified and then tested by the government, none have produced the required level of quality service delivery needed by the public.

An improvement in health care would mean easy access, fewer errors, reduced delays in care delivery, improvement in efficiency, and lower cost. Despite the government’s attempts indicating otherwise, this can be achievable through the use of mobility.

What is mobility?

Mobility is the use of mobile vehicles to deliver services to people. A mobile clinic is an example of this. Mobile clinics transport and carry medical equipment required to treat patients directly from the mobile and are used in remote parts of the country where patients may struggle to find adequate healthcare. Let us look at three main challenges plaguing our healthcare system and how mobility can help address these challenges.

The distribution of health professionals between private and public health sectors and within different provinces is unequal.

With mobile clinics, distance is no longer a barrier to quality healthcare. The government can send mobile clinics to areas with a shortage of staff or remote areas where the nearest hospital or clinic is a few kms away.

Lack of Doctors at clinics and variability in skill sets between rural and urban areas.

With mobile clinics and telemedicine (connecting patients to vital health care services through technology), specialist doctors can help nurses consult patients with conditions that require their expert opinion.

Poor-record keeping

Sometimes, patients’ folders go missing or lost and in worst-case scenarios, this creates complications that may lead to an incorrect diagnosis or, worse, the death of a patient. Equipping mobile units with the latest technology can help minimise this challenge, creating a mobile ecosystem where service delivery is the focus and mobility is the solution.

An added benefit of making use of mobile clinics is the cost-effectiveness. Investing in mobile units that can be dispatched to different parts of the country as needed instead of investing in brick-and-mortar facilities makes financial sense. In addition, the mobile units can be serviced quickly and as regularly as needed to avoid deterioration.

The World Health Oorganisation (WHO) defines overall health system outcomes as “improving health and health equity in ways that are responsive, financially fair and make the best, or most efficient, use of available resources.” Mobility does precisely this. By using Mobile clinics in conjunction with the latest technology, the government can:

  • Ensure that all have access to quality health care regardless of where they are located.  
  • Provide a cost-effective solution to the health system crisis. 
  • Give citizens the quality-of-service delivery they need.

As Guud we continue to strive to provide organisations with mobility healthcare solutions to better improve communities around South Africa, Africa and beyond. If you would like to chat to someone on our team, please click the chat button in the bottom right.

A mobile solution to government backlogs

Posted on by admin
  • Request time off from work.
  • The system is offline.
  • A lengthy line spanning down blocks of buildings.
  • A wait time of 2-3 hours.

This is the official starter pack for dealing with any governmental department. Unfortunately, at some point in our lives, we will have to either visit the Department of Home Affairs, the Traffic Department, or the Department of Labour. Some may even have the misfortune of having to see all three in one year.

COVID-19 played a role in worsening the backlogs experienced across all governmental administrative services resulting in the implementation of grace periods for expired documentation like visas, driver’s licenses, etc. Regardless of the challenges caused by COVID-19, governmental administration departments are notoriously understaffed and wrestle with an archaic IT system. There is also the problem of supply and demand, with a supply (number of governmental administration offices) that cannot meet the demand for services. Departments situated within cities often service people within that area as well as citizens from decentralised or rural areas, putting pressure on the departments.

To give credit where it is due, the government has tried to implement measures to help operate efficiently, however their attempts to solve backlogs often tackle just the most visible challenges, rather than the underlying causes. One of these measures is the eHome Affairs system & BABs (Branch Appointment Booking System). These solutions aim to reduce the queue lines however, it is virtually impossible to get a booking slot on eHome affairs for your passport and the BABs system was recently extended to only 56 Home Affairs offices, not to mention that these systems are only available to citizens who require select services.

It has become quite apparent that providing an efficient online service is not one of the government’s strengths. Home Affairs Minister Aaron Motsoaledi said that “the department also plans to introduce branches in shopping centres to ease the load on current offices” but brick-and-mortar facilities may not be the best solution.

Citizens have become accustomed to extraordinary fast and efficient service within the private sector, and through a private and public partnership this level of service can be accessible to the people via the deployment of mobile units.

Implementing mobile units for each department can aid in relieving the government’s immense backlog issues. Additional benefits include:

  • Flexibility – The efficiency of deploying mobile units where the demand for services is high (is an added advantage over brick-and-mortar facilities).
  • Efficiency – The Mobile can easily be equipped with the necessary technology to get the jobs done faster and efficiently.
  • Servicing citizens with “simple” services like obtaining an ID, passport, renewal of driver’s licences, etc. can allow these departments to focus on more complex services that do not take weeks to finalise.
  • Relief of overworked staff.

How would it work?

Mobile units would be deployed across the country both in underserved and central communities. This would provide citizens with various location options to get the services they need without having to travel great distances to do so. Working alongside government staff, the mobile units will be used to reduce waiting times, lengthy queues, and overall backlog experienced by these departments.

By making use of mobiles, the government will be able to efficiently help not only citizens from decentralised areas but relieve the demand for services in cities. This is a cost-effective solution that allows Governments to allocate mobiles as per the fluctuating demand of services – taking the services to the people.

Increasing the impact of mobile healthcare though telemedicine

Posted on by admin

Over the years, mobile clinics have revolutionised the healthcare industry, bringing much-needed healthcare services to individuals in decentralised areas. The convenience of mobile health clinics to be at any location ensures that no citizen is left without access to quality, affordable healthcare within their community.

Other impacts of mobile clinics in delivering healthcare include: 

  • Accessibility: Mobile clinics are improving access to care, serving uninsured individuals, and operating in low-income communities.
  • Comprehensive care: Mobile health clinics are as well-equipped as doctors’ consulting rooms and clinics. This means that patients receive comprehensive primary healthcare without having to seek out district hospitals.
  • Quality healthcare: In addition to being subject to the same regulations, compliance, and quality assurance as hospitals and clinics, mobile health units are further exposed to internal and external audits by the Department of Health and Office of The Health Ombudsman. These regulations ensure that patients receive the same level of quality care from professional medical practitioners at a low cost.

Telemedicine can play a huge role in further advancing the impact mobile clinics have. What is telehealth and what are the healthcare services that can be provided through telehealth? Telehealth or telemedicine connects patients to vital healthcare services using technology. Some examples of this are:

  • Enabling patients to communicate with healthcare providers via videoconferencing.
  • Sending and receiving messages from a healthcare provider via secure messaging or email.
  • Remote monitoring of vital signs to help healthcare providers stay informed on patient’s progress.

Many conditions ranging from chronic diseases to mental health can be monitored remotely through app-based solutions that connect patients to their providers.

If mobile clinics implement the use of telehealth, it will offer increased access to specialists (who would otherwise not be reached) located far away from patients residing in rural/remote areas, eradicating the need for travel, and time off from work. It would also address physician burnout by reducing clinicians’ drive times and allowing time to service more patients. Furthermore, in a virtual consultation, primary care providers within the mobile clinics can get input from specialists in other locations should they have questions about patient diagnosis or treatments, allowing them to give better care.

Most importantly, telehealth allows Healthcare providers to send patients valuable information to equip them to manage their health at home. This information includes notifications or reminders for rehabilitation exercises or to take medication, suggestions for the improvement of diet, mobility or stress management, detailed instructions on how to continue care at home, and encouragement to stick with the treatment plan.

Virtual care technology provided by telehealth saves patients time and money and reduces patient transfers, emergency room and urgent care centre visits. By combining telemedicine and mobility, we provide support to an exposed section of the population through sustainable and flexible solutions. It also allows clinicians to record patient data in real-time, increasing the number of patients they can treat and enabling them to treat patients across much wider areas.

Using both telemedicine and mobile health clinics has the potential to not only improve the quality of healthcare but make it easier and more efficient for people to get healthcare across South Africa.