Windhoek
“We care about our employees and their well-being. Access to primary health care is so critical for each and every Namibian, yet so expensive and unaffordable for most. This clinic aims to add even more value to the lives of our people,” said Werner Swartz, Manager: Human Capital at Hangana Seafood with regard to the on-site clinic for employees in Walvis Bay.
Hangana Seafood have since 2006, through the on-site clinic, provided primary health care services to its employees, at no cost. “State hospitals are already overcrowded, which results in patients having to queue up for hours, sometimes days before they are attended to. This clinic means 800 to 900 less patients in queues at state facilities, and also falls in line with the O&L Group’s purpose of ‘Creating a future, Enhancing life’ which we are very passionate about. Additionally, the entire O&L workforce are members of the group’s ‘vitality program’ which grants HIV-positive employees access to necessary treatment and medication. The group’s wellness program also makes sure that all employees are screened bi-annually for HIV, blood pressure, diabetes and cholesterol. And it also provides for counselling for both employees and their families, which includes referrals to appropriate experts when needed,” says Swartz.
According to Managing Director of Hangana Seafood, Herman Theron, discussions are also on the table to make health care services available to the children of employees, and eventually also to the rest of the companies under the O&L umbrella at the coast. Theron says: “This facility forms part of a bigger picture, not only for Hangana Seafood, but for the country at large. The Hangana Seafood on-site clinic is evident of the fruits of private public partnership (PPP). The private sector and government working together is the smart way to go on our way forward. Because of the partnership we have with government, we are able to provide this service, and our workers do not have to move an inch to get medication and health care when needed, but instead it is all brought to them.”
The current six permanent employees at the clinic consist of two registered nurses (day and night shift) with dispensing licenses; one enrolled nurse; an administration controller; a general assistant, and one wellness coordinator. In partnership with Occupational Care Namibia (OCNAM), the clinic also enjoys the services of medical practitioner Dr Cliff Webster on a weekly basis.
Stella Mwenyo, one of the registered nurses at the clinic, has been part of the team since 2012. Says Mwenyo: “This clinic most certainly enhances the lives of Hangana Seafood employees. It excites me when companies make an effort to contribute to the good health of its workforce. While access to proper health care is essential, it is so expensive and unaffordable for most Namibians. And though medical aid subscription is made available to staff, most employees choose not to subscribe, because of the high cost involved. Employees choose to use their disposal income to care for their extended families, and therefore make use of government facilities. This clinic basically comes to their rescue. It is Hangana Seafood in support of the Ministry of Health and Social Services making sure that its workforce receives access to proper health care, for free.”
According to Mwenyo, all employees that work on sea undergo eye and hearing tests every six months as standard procedure, and all Hangana Seafood employees receive this treatment at the start of employment, as well as when they leave the company.