An Emphasis On Service In Nonprofit Healthcare Initiatives

Providing health care access to everyone is an admirable aspiration, as it would create opportunities for people of all backgrounds and economic statuses throughout the world. Good health and well-being fall into the U.N.’s 17 sustainable development goals (SDGs). Listed as SDG 3, substantial efforts have been made in recent years to attain this objective. For instance, the global mortality rate among children under the age of five dropped by 14% from 2015 to 2020, as reported by the U.N.

However, much work remains to reach the goal of health equity. Close to 1 billion people in low- and lower-middle-income countries are served by healthcare facilities with unreliable electricity or no electricity access at all, according to a report from the World Health Organization, the World Bank, the International Renewable Energy Agency, and Sustainable Energy for All. Due to the cost of healthcare, nearly 100 million people are pushed into extreme poverty every year because of medical expenses, reports the World Economic Forum. Sadly, populations in poor and rural areas may not even be able to receive proper medical care on a regular basis.

Many nonprofits are striving, day after day, to deliver the type of treatments that patients in developing countries need. To make a difference and achieve better outcomes, initiatives will do well to focus on meaningful and impactful practices. Nonprofits can make use of today’s tools, especially in the fields of technology and energy. They can encompass a culture of high-quality service, along with proper training for both staff and patients.

Using Today’s Resources in Healthcare

In remote areas, nonprofits can take advantage of digital tools, including telehealth services. If a trained medical professional who is physically located far away can connect with staff in rural health centers, information and knowledge can be shared. The doctor may be able to review cases via video and instruct health care workers on next steps and treatment plans.

To reduce the risk of energy failures, nonprofit centers can explore renewable resources that are available to them. They might install solar panels to channel the sun’s power and reduce their reliance on their grid. In addition, nonprofits can research green practices to lower their carbon emissions in the region.

Treating All Patients Well

Those living in developed nations, with access to private insurance, may expect to receive high levels of care when they visit the doctor. For patients in low- to middle-income countries, visiting a treatment center that is open to the public may mean long wait times. They may find it difficult to receive personal attention from staff members who are overworked and overstretched.

Nonprofits operating in developing countries can take note of the medical standards in a region. They may decide to provide high levels of care to all patients, regardless of their background or social standing. This type of treatment is generally noticed, especially in societies where medical centers are often short-staffed. Patients who are able to maintain their dignity may be motivated to pursue treatment, recover more quickly, and have a higher sense of well-being.

Proper Training in Place

Treating patients well begins with caring for staff members. Nonprofits can ensure workers have all they need to carry out their duties and develop personally and professionally. In addition, medical centers can provide employees with instructions on how to care for patients. These guidelines might include how to greet visitors, questions to ask new arrivals, proper ways to carry out assessments, and information to send home with patients. After the visit, staff members can stay in touch with families and provide further educational resources as needed.

In a world that is striving to attain health equity, opportunities abound. For nonprofits, a look at the resources available and an emphasis on patient care may make an impact. The right training and support could lead to more positive patient outcomes. Collectively, these measures could improve the lives of adults and their growing children in the years to come.