In the media

AfroCentric Group ready for stage 2 of the vaccine rollout – starting with members over 60

20 May 2021

Johannesburg, 20 May 2021 — AfroCentric Group has announced that they are ready to support efforts to roll out vaccines to its medical scheme members aged 60 and the remaining healthcare professionals left over from phase 1.

The Group, through specifically designated sites in the Western Cape (Cape Town), KwaZulu-Natal (Durban) and Gauteng (Centurion and Roodepoort) has met all regulatory approvals and is now officially part of the vaccine rollout process. Our mobile service provided by Wellness Odyssey has been accredited and is awaiting its allotments of appointments and vaccines.

Ahmed Banderker, Chief Executive Officer of the AfroCentric Group says, "Our lives have been deeply impacted by the effects of COVID-19. The vaccines have given us an opportunity to fight back. Members of our administered schemes who are aged 60 can now access the vaccines through these sites. When the vaccine campaign was being planned, it was always the view of AfroCentric to be an active participant and we are both excited and proud to make good on that intent."

Pleased by the increased momentum of the rollout, which is expected to increase as vaccine supply increases, Banderker says, "We understand the nature and effort of this vaccine rollout requires a balance between vaccination volume, inventory control and distribution equity. It is important that all role players, including ourselves, are actively involved in the process."

Banderker reiterated AfroCentric's support for the government's efforts. "Government has adopted a centralised system in this initial phase, meaning that members of AfroCentric administered schemes, who are over the age of 60 years, will receive a token and details of their appointments. This will be done with consideration of proximity to their location and the capacity of the available sites," explains Banderker.

Banderker stated that AfroCentric has prioritised convenience for its members. He says this will focus on location convenience and the capacity of the available sites. "As a Group, our purpose is simple yet profound and is solely focused on enhancing quality of life. We have 3 000 nurses in our network who will ensure that qualifying members of our administrated schemes can receive the vaccine as soon as possible. We are proud to say that we are ready and willing to support this most critical national initiative by using the skills and capabilities within the Group. We are providing additional vaccination capacity to assist Government in reducing the impact of COVID-19," concludes Banderker.