Sustainability Review - Introduction

Access to affordable, quality healthcare is fundamental to sustainable development. In 2009, Netcare continued to promote access and affordability by expanding its Primary care network in South Africa (SA), by partnering with government in Public Private Partnerships (PPPs), and through corporate social investment focused on broadening access to healthcare among poor communities. In the United Kingdom (UK), we expanded our services through the acquisition of two hospital facilities, a radiosurgery centre, and a consultation and general surgery centre. In terms of quality, Netcare made significant investments in skills development and training, and also continued to implement world-class governance standards.

Although Netcare’s target market is the private healthcare sector, we recognise that sustainable development is undermined by the rift between those with access to affordable quality healthcare and those without. Netcare adopts a comprehensive approach to healthcare services in both SA and the UK, partnering with government in both regions to promote equity, access and to enhance quality outcomes.

In preparing this report, Netcare has taken cognisance of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) version 3 guidelines and has aimed to meet the requirements of an application Level C reporter. In line with best practice, an incremental approach is being followed to reporting on sustainability performance.

Sustainable development is not possible without a healthy population. In turn, a healthy population depends on economic development, robust preventative and curative healthcare systems, and the mitigation of environmental risk.