Introduction
Vatech, a global leader in the dental imaging market, has embarked on a significant project aimed at enhancing dental healthcare in South Africa. This initiative, part of Vatech's comprehensive global Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) campaign, involves a strategic partnership with Tygerberg Hospital in Cape Town. The collaboration includes the donation of advanced medical equipment and specialized training for dental professionals, showcasing Vatech's commitment to improving healthcare environments worldwide.
Vatech’s Global CSR Campaign
As a pioneer in dental device innovation, Vatech's CSR efforts target regions with limited access to basic medical treatment. By selecting countries and regions often overlooked in medical care, Vatech provides essential resources and fosters continuous interaction with local hospitals and medical organizations. Previous efforts include medical support in Uganda, Cambodia, Mongolia, and Mexico, as well as the establishment of an educational and cultural center in Dai Tu Province, Vietnam.
Donation to Tygerberg Hospital
Tygerberg Hospital, a major public hospital operated by the Department of Health and Wellness in South Africa, has been selected for Vatech's latest CSR initiative. Despite being the second-largest hospital in South Africa, Tygerberg has faced challenges due to inadequate support and underdevelopment, particularly in its dental clinic. Vatech has addressed this by donating a CBCT “Green X 18” unit to enhance diagnostic capabilities and improve patient outcomes.
Addressing Dental Care Challenges
Most patients at Tygerberg's dental clinic are from low-income backgrounds and often seek treatment only when their conditions have worsened. The lack of diagnostic equipment previously made it difficult to plan effective treatments, often resulting in tooth extractions. The introduction of CBCT technology will significantly aid in precise diagnosis and treatment planning, directly benefiting the underserved population.
Educational Support and Training
To ensure the effective use of the donated equipment, Vatech has organized an annual training program for 200 doctors at Tygerberg Hospital and 200 students at the affiliated Western Cape dental school. This ongoing educational support is critical for maximizing the impact of the new technology and improving the overall quality of dental care.
Long-Term Community Engagement
Vatech's CSR campaigns emphasize long-term engagement with local communities to identify and address their most pressing needs. In South Africa, this approach includes extensive training to enhance the accuracy of diagnoses and treatment planning, especially important given Tygerberg Hospital's role in providing 77% of oral health services in the Western Cape.
Collaborative Efforts and Future Plans
The CSR activities in South Africa are marked by the active involvement of local dealers, professors, and Vatech employees from various offices, including those in the UK and South Africa. Local dealer SciVision has also played a key role, participating voluntarily. The collaboration aims to integrate CT-enabled practices into regular use, support academic research, and ultimately improve dental care for over 120,000 patients annually.
Financial Support Initiatives
Recognizing the financial barriers faced by many patients, Vatech is exploring innovative fundraising methods, including contributions from the salary savings of its headquarters employees. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to make dental care more accessible and affordable for poorer communities.
Commitment to Ongoing Improvement
Vatech plans to sustain its engagement with Tygerberg Hospital and the Western Cape community, continually striving to enhance healthcare conditions. With a presence in over 100 countries, Vatech's CSR efforts are set to expand, building long-term relationships and providing essential support to underserved areas globally.
Leadership Perspectives
Sunbeom Kim, CEO of Vatech, emphasized the company's dedication to leveraging technology and services to improve global quality of life. He highlighted the significance of the South African CSR project in upgrading public hospital facilities and providing continuous education for dental professionals.
Acknowledgment from Local Authorities
Professor Nomafrench Mbombo, Western Cape Minister of Health and Wellness, attended the launch event and expressed gratitude for Vatech's contributions. She underscored the transformative impact of public-private partnerships in advancing dental services and enhancing community well-being. The Western Cape Department of Health and Wellness remains committed to integrating state-of-the-art technology to improve service quality.
