World Health Day is commemorated annually on April 7 and this year, the day comes when the world is still in the midst of a pandemic.
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Initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO), this day draws the world’s attention to the importance of keeping people across communities healthy.
This year’s commemoration also focuses on the planet and the need to keep it healthy for its people.
The climate crisis is one of the major health threats faced by the planet and its people, with about 13 million dying each year according to WHO.
While this year’s theme pays attention to the environment, it does not take away from the need for human beings to have access to quality health care.
In the third world, access to health care is still an issue and the pandemic together with the economy seems to have worsened the situation.
“Economic instability, not to mention a lack of affordable medical aid plan options currently available in South Africa, has left many people, particularly the low-income group and those who have just entered the workforce with no option but to forgo medical aid until they are able to afford it,” says Bestmed Medical Scheme’s Executive Manager:Marketing and Sales, Madelein Barkhuizen.
Barkhuizen says there’s a need for everyone to have access to good medical care regardless of their income. This is still a challenge for many in this country as medical aid is still expensive. Unemployment has also risen since the outbreak of the pandemic.
Barkhuizen says, “Bestmed Medical Scheme has introduced the Rhythm range. This new range is suitable for people seeking an entry level income-based plan for both in- and out-of-hospital benefits with designated service sroviders within our Rhythm network.”
While the country scrambles to recover from the pandemic, issues of access to good medical care are still important and World Health Day shines a spotlight on that. It also reminds us to take care of the environment to foster good personal health.