Lehlohonolo Motšoari
Having focused its operations in Maseru since its introduction in the country over the past ten years, Vitality Health will expand its services to Botha Bothe district.
The company has launched a new High Care Clinic at the Soofia International School premises in Botha Bothe, creating ten new positions for medical staff, including a doctor, nurse, paramedics, pharmacists, a driver, and a receptionist.
The facility will serve the northern region of the country, offering essential health services to the local community, as well as students and staff of Soofia International.
During the opening ceremony, the Executive Director of Vitality Health, Semethe Raleche, highlighted the pressing need for improved healthcare in Lesotho, emphasising that many Basotho face life-threatening situations due to the absence of critical emergency services.
Vitality Health is a medical insurance company that specialises in pre-hospital emergency medical risk solutions.
“Many lives are lost, or forever changed, because of the lack of lifesaving, reciprocal emergency services,” he noted.
The newly established clinic will provide a range of vital services, including emergency medical care, inter-hospital transfers, chronic illness management, clinical services, pharmaceutical support, and medical insurance. The facility is expected to start operations in 2025.
Given the geographical challenges in reaching remote areas of Lesotho, Vitality Health has formed a strategic partnership with the Lesotho Defence Force’s (LDF) Airwing to facilitate emergency services.
This partnership also includes training LDF personnel in first aid. In addition, Vitality Health has teamed up with Vodacom Lesotho to digitize its health services, ensuring faster responses to medical emergencies.
One of Vitality Health’s clients praised the organization’s impact on his family’s health care, sharing that although he initially subscribed to their services during the COVID-19 pandemic, he only recently experienced their lifesaving support.
“When I had a muscle rupture, they responded swiftly, traveling from Maseru to Botha Bothe in no time after an emergency call. They’ve also assisted with my child’s medical needs and regularly remind us of routine vaccinations,” he said.
However, despite the clinic’s success, Raleche, expressed concerns about the country’s overall preparedness for health emergencies.
“Resource limitations, shortages of essential medical supplies and equipment, and the lack of trained personnel are major obstacles in providing timely emergency medical responses,” he pointed out.
Raleche also mentioned the ongoing efforts by Vitality Health to address these challenges by investing in staff training, despite the infrastructural issues, such as poor road conditions and limited transportation in rural areas, which delay emergency services.
Raleche encouraged the community to take advantage of this new healthcare opportunity, urging individuals to prioritise their health during their lifetime instead of solely investing in funeral cover.
“Fees start as low as M193, offering an affordable way to secure your health and well-being,” he said.
