GARDEN ROUTE | KAROO NEWS - Mediclinic Southern Africa is implementing a mandatory vaccination policy for its staff, which started on Friday 1 October. This is according to a memorandum sent out internally to associated doctors and healthcare professionals on 29 September.
The policy will affect all those working within all Mediclinic hospitals, offices and subsidiaries.
The memorandum was signed by CEO Koert Pretorius. He said the policy will be rolled out in a phased approach with 1 February 2022 as the due date for compulsory vaccination. All employees will have to be vaccinated in full by this date.
"Our intended policy is justifiable given the public health crisis and the overwhelming proof that vaccination is the most effective step that we can take to protect ourselves and others against Covid-19," said Pretorius in the communique.
Mediclinic George and Geneva manager Kassie Karstens told George Herald that local associated doctors have wholeheartedly welcomed the policy. "They are outspokenly in favour of it. 99% of our doctors have been vaccinated. We are positive about the initiative, because it will save lives," said Karstens.
According to Pretorius, the religious and cultural freedoms of its employees are being taken into account and the company has tried to balance employees' rights by accommodating "reasonable exceptions for those unwilling or unable to be vaccinated".
Details of the mandatory roll-out are currently being developed and more details will be provided soon.
Pretorius said the pandemic has created unprecedented public health and workplace challenges. "It is a global crisis that necessitates decisive action."
Factors that were taken into consideration when making this decision include:
• The likely duration of the Covid-19 risk;
• The nature of healthcare as a frontline industry;
• The nature and severity of the potential harm;
• The likelihood that the potential harm will occur;
• The potential harm to patients;
• The availability of Covid-19 vaccines and their ability to curb the mutation of the virus.
According to Pretorius, continued review of leading studies relating to the effectiveness of vaccination clearly show that the vaccine reduces Covid-19-related hospitalisation, deaths, the severity and duration of the illness, and the virus' transmissibility significantly.
"Vaccination will further relieve the pandemic's current burden on the healthcare sector."
Mediclinic also views the policy as a moral obligation. "As a frontline healthcare provider, Mediclinic needs to remain more vigilant than most other businesses in our endeavours to protect our patients, employees, associated doctors, other healthcare professionals, service providers who come onto our premises, as well as the general public entering our facilities," he said.
Endorsement from various professional bodies
Pretorius said healthcare workers and organisations have a professional and ethical responsibility to help prevent the spread of infectious pathogens, including Covid-19, among patients, colleagues and their families, and the related communities.
The policy will furthermore provide a safe work environment in accordance with the South African Occupational Health and Safety Act (OHSA).
The decision has been endorsed by the South African Nursing Council, South African Committee of Medical Deans and the Health Professions Council of South Africa.
Labour minister's directive
Pretorius also referred to the June 2021 directive issued by the labour minister on Covid-19 vaccination in specific workplaces, which requires employers to determine the necessity for mandatory vaccination policies.
He said the mandatory vaccination policy has been vetted extensively, taking into consideration public health, employees' constitutional rights and efficient business operations. "Mediclinic engaged widely, obtaining input from various experts."
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