Empowering Progress: Our Vision for Dialysis Centers in South Africa

Three times a week, dialysis patients visit our centers, emphasizing the critical need to create a welcoming environment where we make them feel at home. In South Africa, Nipro's valuable partner, Universal Renal Care has been operating numerous dialysis centers in both urban and rural areas without skipping a beat. However, the luxuries we take for granted, such as running water and electricity, are a few of the challenges faced by Marissa Coetzee, Clinical Governance Manager.

The challenges

“In South Africa, we have some unique challenges such as accessibility issues and disparities in healthcare delivery. Facilities in rural locations have their own set of challenges, and basic infrastructure such as running water or electricity, which we take for granted, is a luxury they do not have. Overcoming these challenges often involves meticulous planning and collaboration between different departments, leveraging available resources effectively to ensure service delivery and consumables are readily available to provide continuity of dialysis services.”

The solutions

Marissa and her team spend a significant portion of their time planning every detail of a project or plan before implementation, from designing and visualizing a floor plan to introducing a new operating procedure. “Communication and planning are essential in my role. Building strong relationships with colleagues creates a platform for comfortable communication and understanding,” she explains.

It takes teamwork to bring the vision to life. Marissa has assembled a team that forms the backbone in ensuring smooth operations. “I have a great team of clinic managers, each with their own superpowers. Having them by my side and representing our company gives me great joy and the certainty that we will continue to be successful in our endeavors.”

In spite of the enormous tasks, the team's driving force remains empathy for patients and dedication to improving their health outcomes. “Expanding services to underserved communities and providing excellent quality care in rural areas is something we can be proud of. Seeing the difference we make, and the gratitude we receive from our patients, makes it all worthwhile.”

According to the United Nations, when more women work, economies grow. It is estimated that closing the gender gap could boost the global economy by USD 7 trillion [1]. Furthermore, it is estimated that companies with three or more women in senior management functions score higher in all dimensions of organizational performance [2].

Marissa’s team, along with numerous other teams in Nipro that are led by women, is a powerful testament to these facts. Despite this accomplishment, she shares food for thought that applies to all: “Build strong professional networks and find mentors who can offer guidance and support.”