THE fact that health promotion constitutes a fundamental dimension of corporate social responsibility (CSR) is a clear testimony of the crucial role that corporate bodies have in helping deliver healthcare services in society.
In this respect, the onus can no longer be on the Government alone, but such stakeholders as corporations and other partners need to come on board and emulate hospices that have been helping the Government in this endeavour.
Hospices have existed since the 10th century in some parts of the globe, rendering support to terminally ill patients but over the years, their health services have evolved and now encompass taking care of orphaned children, among others.
Hospice care is one form of hospitality that focuses on the palliation of the pain and symptoms of chronically, terminally or seriously ill persons and, in the process, attending to their emotional and spiritual needs.
In Western societies, the concept of hospice has been evolving, especially in Europe, since the 11th century. Then, and for centuries thereafter in Roman Catholic tradition, hospices were places of hospitality for the sick, wounded or dying, as well as travellers and pilgrims.
The modern concept of hospice includes palliative care for those with ailments that cannot be cured in such institutions as hospitals or nursing homes, although care is also provided to those who would rather spend their last months and days of life in their own homes.
As Vice-President Guy Scott’s wife, Charlotte, correctly observes, hospices are strategic in addressing gaps in the health system. Dr Scott’s observation is very correct.
Not only have hospices existed for a long time – their role has over the years become more pronounced, important and diversified, mainly because of their positive bearing on the community. In discharging their role, hospices have now become crucial in their support to the needy, ranging from material to financial.
During Dr Scott’s visit to the Mother of Mercy Hospice in Chilanga, where assorted items were donated courtesy of the Zambia Association of Manufacturers (ZAM), it was clear that the lack of finances was a huge hurdle to hospices’ effective operation.
The donation from ZAM is, therefore, worth commending just like other works of charity that have so far been rendered to the needy elsewhere around the country.
The whole process of caring for the terminally ill patients, hard though this might be, may lead to a comfortable end to some one’s life journey, and this deserves a part-on-the-back.
And the call by Dr Scott on the corporate world, other institutions and individuals to render support to people in hospices needs to be heeded with the urgency it deserves.
Previously, hospices were reflected in the media only when hand-outs were being dished out, which should not be the case this time around.
There is need for all those in a position to help to reflect on the noble aspect of CSR so that support is quickly rendered and even be made sustainable.
Many people may have a different opinion about what a hospice does.
This institution is vital in the healthcare delivery and, like Dr Scott said, it is key in filling some of the gaps in the healthcare system.
ZAM and other organisations that have in the past rendered their
support to hospices should not only end here but need to continue with their CSR strategies that will solidify support to hospices so that they can operate effectively.
Dr Scott’s visit to the Mother of Mercy Hospice is an eye-opener on the difficulties faced by such organisations as they try to care for the sick and orphans but, while handouts are welcome, a permanent solution is needed and this can only be possible if the corporate world took a deliberate stance to constantly render whatever assistance they could. OPINION