Chairman’s year-end message
As the turbulent year of 2020 comes to a close, I have no doubt we will all look back with bruised sentiment at the year that brought the global scourge of the Covid-19 pandemic, which the world continues to fight even as we move into 2021.
It’s been a year of health and financial scares as well as social and political upheavals that will characterise a changed path for the years to come. Our daily lives have changed with us having to be so much more vigilant about our health, as well as the wellbeing of those we love and come into contact with. Where and how we work may never be the same again yet so many adapted so successfully to remote working which enabled more personal flexibility. In a similar manner, where and how our children will continue with their learning into the future has changed. Even something as simple as shopping may never be the same again.
I consider all of these changes in both awe and wonder, especially considering how well the environment responded so positively and rapidly to the changes in human and business behaviour. All this and more, it’s certainly been a year where we have learnt to value what we have rather than focusing on what we don’t have.
Covid-19 laid bare some failures of our costly, inefficient, market-based healthcare system. It highlighted the fragility of the pharmaceutical supply chains and identified public sensitivity over patent abuses. 2020 showed that excellent healthcare is a scarce resource to be used responsibly with consideration for others. The Public and Private healthcare sectors engaged collaboratively and demonstrated the true spirit of ubuntu, which we hope will bode well for future NHI developments and that this will enable pragmatic solutions to be found.
An experience of this nature requires businesses to adapt to new realities and to change course toward better functionality and cost-effectiveness. The Anglo Medical Scheme rose to meet the needs of our members. We absorbed the extraordinary shocks that the coronavirus pandemic brought, operational, financial and regulatory. Benefits were broadened to provide cover for additional services not conceived 9 months ago, telemedicine fast-tracked to reduce the need for physical contact, investments were diversified to reduce risk. The AMS Head Office team as well as our administrators and providers redeveloped and broadened operations and communication channels to adapt to the new social requirements without compromising service to our members.
I am proud to say that all these new challenges were met and responded to with enthusiasm, warmth, and compassion. Some members were at their most vulnerable during this period and, as we move into the holiday season, I have no doubt that AMS will continue to provide a professional and caring ear in dealing with your queries.
In looking to 2021, we expect Covid-19 will continue to disrupt. The Trustees will continue to recognise the difficulties our employers and members will face and remain agile to new innovations, including potential vaccines, while working within tight budgets.
My and the Board of Trustees’ heartfelt thanks to all who made a difference in the unprecedented circumstances that befell us all in 2020, with special mention of the AMS Head Office team, our administrator and service providers. We have been heartened by your feedback and the support shown by our employers and administration staff.
My best wishes to you all for the holiday season. Stay safe, renew your energy, both physical and mental, by spending quality time with your loved ones and finding time to indulge in what you most enjoy. May the New Year bring you health, happiness, and peace.
With very best wishes
Colleen Elliot
Chairman