RH Bophelo CEO calls on government to open up vaccines to wider population

The third wave of Covid-19 is sweeping across Africa, putting immense pressure on hospitals and healthcare systems. In South Africa, Gauteng is experiencing a surge in cases, with hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients. Quinton Zunga, the CEO of RH Bophelo, a prominent healthcare provider in the country, joined CNBC Africa to shed light on the challenges faced by hospitals during this critical period. As the pandemic rages on, Zunga called on the government to expand vaccine access to a wider population in order to curb the spread of the virus and achieve herd immunity. Zunga painted a grim picture of the situation on the ground, describing how hospitals are grappling with a shortage of staff and essential medical equipment such as ventilators. He highlighted that the pressure is particularly severe in areas like Rustenberg, Velcom, and Bella Bella, where the number of cases is steadily rising. In response to these challenges, RH Bophelo is reallocating resources and equipment from areas with lower pressure to those experiencing a surge in cases. One of the key issues raised by Zunga is the scarcity of vaccines, especially the Pfizer vaccine. Despite efforts to procure vaccines, RH Bophelo has faced challenges in accessing an adequate supply. Zunga emphasized the importance of widespread vaccination and criticized the government's limited focus on specific demographics, such as individuals above 60 and healthcare workers. He stressed the need for broader vaccine distribution to reach a larger segment of the population, including those with underlying health conditions who are at risk of severe illness. Furthermore, Zunga emphasized the critical role of healthcare workers in the fight against the pandemic and highlighted the need to support and motivate them during this challenging time. He pointed out that retaining staff and ensuring their well-being is essential for hospitals to maintain their capacity to provide quality care to patients. In envisioning a way out of the current crisis, Zunga advocated for a more inclusive approach to vaccination, urging the government to ramp up efforts to make vaccines available to a wider population. He emphasized the urgency of accelerating the vaccination rollout to achieve herd immunity and combat the spread of the virus effectively. Zunga's call for greater vaccine accessibility resonates with healthcare providers and individuals alike, as many are eagerly awaiting the opportunity to receive the vaccine and protect themselves from the virus. As South Africa grapples with the challenges posed by the third wave, the insights shared by Quinton Zunga shed light on the urgent need for a comprehensive and inclusive vaccination strategy to mitigate the impact of the pandemic and safeguard public health.