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BUSINESS NEWS - The Covid-19 pandemic has given many sectors all over the world a chance to grow and advance in order to survive in the day to day living. One industry that has been directly and mostly impacted by the pandemic is, of course, the healthcare industry. There had to be adjustments made quickly in order to help lessen the spread of the disease. 

In this article, we will take a look at how the medical industry has dealt with the pandemic, new technology found in healthcare and the benefits of having an advanced medical system.

Healthcare in South Africa
There are a number of reasons why South Africa has been able to develop its performance in the digital health and life sciences market. For example, it has strong manufacturing capabilities and well-developed research institutions. There is also a large population to create demand for the products and services offered by this market, as well as a robust labour pool to support new and expanding organisations in this sector. The government has built on these positive attributes by implementing many different schemes to support entrepreneurship and to incubate start-ups.

In the 2019 Global Innovation Index, South Africa ranked first in the category of regional innovation leaders. This reflects the country’s determination to find ways of supporting all its citizens, especially those in poverty or with HIV.

Innovations in healthcare
These and many other innovations are helping the South African healthcare industry grow stronger.

The South African National Blood Service (SANBS) is using drones to collect and deliver blood for transfusions across the country. If the blood cannot be safely and quickly transported to where it is needed, it cannot be used. This is a major problem in rural areas. SANBS now uses drones to transport blood and overcome the issue. They are faster and less expensive than helicopters and are specially adapted to ensure the blood is kept safe during the journey. Drone technology is helping SANBS to save lives.

The world’s first digital laser was invented by doctoral candidate and CSIR researcher Sandile Nqcobo. The laser will be used in the health sector and has numerous applications that will help other markets, including the communication sector.

The CSIR’s Gene Expression and Biophysics group designed the first induced pluripotent stem cells in Africa, helping researchers to investigate various diseases and cures. Stem cells are used to restore sight or repair cells affected by heart disease, amongst other things. The possibilities are endless, and South Africa is making pioneering advancements in this sector.

A new method used in cataract surgery was created at the Baragwanath hospital in Soweto in the mid-seventies by a specialist in retinal diseases, Selig Percy Amoils. He received the Queen’s Award for Technological Innovation, and his cryoprobe was later displayed at the prestigious Kensington Museum. The Retinal Cryoprobe was used on Margaret Thatcher to repair a detached retina.

Challenges
The healthcare sector faces its own range of challenges that began even before the Covid-19 pandemic. In fact, in 2019, it was projected that 10 years from then, more than half of the medical sector’s workforce would need reskilling of some sort due to how advanced everything will be. So, with evolution already being something the healthcare industry is about, the pandemic put a speed and time limit to it, making the changes come even sooner. With this, it means many workers have had to adjust not only to new technologies but also the amount of work. With government facilities facing a huge intake of patients, mismanagement of funds from leading members of these departments and sectors, and short-staffed institutions, the healthcare industry does take a huge knock. However, there are structures in place, designed to hold people in positions of power accountable for the failings of their hospital or clinical facilities. So, it is safe to say that the challenges are being dealt with head-on.

Opening up the industry
The healthcare industry in South Africa and other African countries is also opening up to the notion of herbs and herbal medicine, which can be found in areas that dominate in traditional doctors and healers. The collaboration of modern medicine and herbs is proving to be one that will be beneficial to South Africans and gives traditional healers a platform to showcase their efforts into ensuring a better and healthier society exists just as much as the doctors and nurses do.

Final words
While we still have a long way to go, it is through the work of dedicated medical professionals and scientists, IT specialists, and financial service providers who give these facilities financial boosts such as medical and other industry finance that help the medicine industry thrive and grow in the right direction. Every bit counts towards creating a better future for all.

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