Celebrating healthcare heroes

Not having access to medical evacuation in an emergency – like a car crash on a remote highway – can be life-threatening. Enter Helicopter Emergency Medical Services, or HEMS. This high-adrenaline, high-stakes occupation attracts everyday heroes who wait shift after shift for the opportunity to make a difference and potentially save a life. Carte Blanche joins the crew for a day in the life of the highly qualified men and women responding to emergency calls around the country, 24/7. Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://bit.ly/PodcastCB

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟮𝟱 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. Is it a case of money before members? Health Squared sold itself as a ‘dynamic, new-age medical scheme that is continuously challenging the status quo by delivering more of the healthcare benefits you need’. But for three years, it operated well under the mandatory solvency threshold of 25 percent without a word of caution to its members. Even as the financial situation deteriorated post-pandemic, with a rapidly dwindling membership and an above-average claims ratio from pensioners, members were oblivious that the writing was on the wall. When the axe finally fell, and the scheme applied for voluntary liquidation, members on chronic treatment for life-threatening diseases had mere days to scramble for alternative cover. The bombshell came in defiance of a bid by the Council for Medical Schemes to appoint a curator to protect members. In a lifeline to some, the court ruled that 54 members on dialysis would have their treatment and medication covered until the end of September, or until they joined another scheme. Carte Blanche investigates what this means for patients experiencing grave, life-altering risks. Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://bit.ly/PodcastCB

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟰 𝗦𝗲𝗽𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗯𝗲𝗿 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮 At just 21 years old, Dr Thakgalo Thibela cuts an unassuming figure in the dingy halls of Helen Joseph Hospital. Given her obvious youth, patients and families alike can be a little sceptical when first meeting her. But she is the doctor on call and, as she moves from ward to ward, Dr Thibela proudly shows off her medical skills. And she’s not alone. Around the country, young doctors – barely into adulthood – are entering the state healthcare service. Their mission: saving lives. The obstacles ahead are more than a little daunting, but they are equal to the task. Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv

𝗧𝗵𝗶𝘀 𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗿𝘆 𝗼𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗮𝗹𝗹𝘆 𝗮𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗱 𝗼𝗻 𝟭𝟰 𝗔𝘂𝗴𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟮. It’s a complex story: our public health system buckling under the weight of inequality. Over the course of a month, Carte Blanche chronicled the best and worst in government healthcare, and probed the human cost of not sorting out the severe lack of funding, doctors, and service excellence. In the private sector, the affordability crisis means an ever-shrinking group of South Africans are properly insured. So, what needs to happen to ensure public healthcare finally becomes what people need and deserve? Join a live studio discussion for the views that count. Your favourite episodes are now available on Carte Blanche: The Podcast: https://linktr.ee/carteblanchetv