Makana Healthcare

Synergising Technology and Health

SUMMARISING SUCCESS

Makana Healthcare, commonly known as Makana, was founded in 1996 by CEO, Arthur Davids. First established as a technology company, Makana focuses on government inventory systems, payment systems and management data analysis, with the healthcare division later being added to the group. The infusion of technology and healthcare was a natural and appropriate synergy as it presented a platform to introduce the company’s experience, innovation, ideas, as well as leadership expertise and knowledge of client requirements.

Makana is a proudly Level-1 Broad-Based Black Economic Empowerment (B-BBEE) company. It is also committed to the supply and sale of high-quality medical equipment, consumables and strategic medical consulting services. Associated with Makana Technologies and Solutions, the

company subscribes to strong principles of quality, excellence and internationally recognised practices. To this end, it is, and has always been, Makana’s widely-held and succinct axiom that ‘going the extra mile’ and understanding client needs is the blueprint for success.

Makana is excited and optimistic about the future as new and groundbreaking technology is rapidly making great strides in the healthcare sector, contributing to more effective and efficient models in healthcare.

INFORMATION

The importance of a hospital’s information analysis cannot be overlooked. It lies at the very core of any hospital’s efficient operation, and it speaks to spend analysis, procurement, patient information, and more. Therefore, in the future, information will become an asset on the company balance sheet, as it provides you with answers to questions you didn’t know you

had and contributes significantly to management decisions!

QUALITY

Current world events have amplified the disparity and critical importance of healthcare, professional medical advice, quality products and services. Almost everybody has formed their own definition of quality. Because quality means different things to different people, the topic has become confusing – even in business - and these multiple definitions often make quality difficult to achieve. However, quality, simply stated, is conforming to requirements.

INNOVATION

Davids details that, “I am always thrilled to see the passion for innovation being embraced. It’s the hallmark of great leadership and allows people to contribute to new ideas.

“Whilst innovation deserves lauding, its true meaning lies not only in

the implementation thereof, but in assigning a cost-saving strategy to the implementation. An example includes a recent application which saw a client not only investing in a new product, but also saving an excess of ZAR720,000 per annum (taking into account repairs, price of non-conformance, quality, etc). Consequently, innovations in measurement and cost-saving strategy is the vehicle used to evaluate and plan management action.”

INITIATIVE

Whilst taking the initiative can sometimes lead to unwanted and misaligned outcomes, demonstrating initiative with sufficient knowledge of client needs is of critical importance, because it demonstrates a certain proactiveness. Understanding that there’s much to learn about the process, can at times be more important than the outcome itself. Thus, at Makana, there have been many situations where the team has

demonstrated initiative, and saved their clients valuable time and money.

EXCELLENCE

Makana attaches great value to focus, as focus is believed to be at the core of excellence. The company has an ethos that when your product offering embraces excellence, then you’ve learnt how to focus. Makana subsequently focuses on the needs of its clients, as it shares their vision. With quality, innovation and excellence being central qualities and intrinsic to the DNA of Makana, it strives to always ensure the best. The company is committed to making a positive contribution to the healthcare discipline, economics and ecosystem – understanding the challenges faced.

Such dedications provide the company with an environment to uphold high standards and to pursue an attitude of a continuous journey to discovery. Perfection, although

impossible, at best serves as an incubator of excellence and illustrates Makana’s determination to always deliver its sincerest intentions. “Where excellence abounds, then effective leadership gives it the fortitude to do so,” says Davids. Humanity is the company’s currency, as it is perceived as the universal canvas of life to paint and co-author a chapter and lasting image to serve and lead. Makana’s mission is to convey its sincerest wishes to its suppliers, manufacturers, partners and clients.

It is comments and feedback like this that underscore Makana’s values.

From: Hanover Park Community Hospital:

Subject: note of appreciation

“Good day Arthur, I would like to commend you and your company, Makana Healthcare on assisting us at Hanover Park Community Health Centre (CHC) in our time of need. I appreciate the fact that you had gone the extra mile to access what we had needed on a weekend when everyone is closed. Even though your company was closed, you sourced what we needed and brought it to us personally, on a Sunday morning. It is good to know that there are people like yourself who would go the extra mile for our community and primary healthcare settings. Thanking you once again”

LEADERSHIP

The healthcare division is led by CEO, Arthur Davids, with Dr Junaid Akoojee as the Medical Director. Makana enjoys award-winning and international accreditation in

leadership, quality and business excellence. The company was awarded the Gold and Platinum award in New York and Paris respectively. The International Quality Summit Award is recognised as one of the most prestigious honours in

business excellence. The company’s leadership also featured in South Africa’s top 47 leaders in previous years, showcasing the country’s leadership expertise – supported by the University of Cape Town’s (UCT) Graduate School of Business, The Afrikaanse Handelsinstituut, Businesswoman’s Association of S.A. (BWSA) and The Institute of Directors (IoD).

Davids further states: “We need to ensure, protect and grow the leadership DNA in our country. It’s important for us to continuously evolve the critical reservoir of leaders in order for us to pass on the baton. If we can sustain that growth of new leaders, then I believe we have fulfilled an important discipline of leadership. Every leader must have a vision, be able to articulate that vision and then lead others to meet it.

“Reach out to us. We will be glad to

discuss your needs and who knows, you might even get inspired!”

Davids describes himself more of a hybrid between a visionary and situational leader. He adds, “It’s vital to keep your vision in focus, bearing in mind that every situation, institution

and client is different. I’m not a ‘celebrity’ leader concerned with ‘front page’ headlines or glitz and glamour. I prefer to lead from the front, getting my hands ‘dirty’ – old-fashioned hard work! My favourite position is in the trenches with my team. I’ve unashamedly loaded trailers, boxes and trucks. You cannot lead anybody further than you’ve gone yourself. More importantly, clients appreciate the fact that you are personally involved and lead from the front. One day I’m negotiating, the next day I’m in the trenches and next I take up my position in the boardroom. In the end I know I can autograph work with excellence. Sadly, you have

leaders that only wait for fame. I don’t promise, waffle or talk, I do!”

Dr Akoojee, the Chief Medical Officer, is a leading medical and healthcare professional with experience in primary healthcare, emergency procedures and protocols, managing healthcare centres, community health programmes, as well as promoting and improving health outcomes with the use of technology. Previously, Dr Akoojee has also worked with many community-based diabetic awareness programmes with leading pharmaceutical companies.

Makana’s views and role in the healthcare ecosystem:

Makana carefully evaluates its service experience and how to sell to its clients effectively –keeping the patient central. Preferring to see its offering as quality and affordable, rather than based on transactional value and the credit limit of its clients, Makana understands it is about achieving the best outcomes at the lowest costs. A starting point for this would be a shift from over-aggressive volumes and the profitability of services provided. ‘Profit greed’ ultimately has an adverse effect on your professional reputation – often to the detriment of the patient and healthcare budgetary constraints.

Hence, Makana believes that if it can contribute to improved patient outcomes and add value-driven products, then it can sustain and grow market share. Similarly, if it can also improve the efficiency of providing excellent service and products, it can enter any contracting discussion from a position of strength. The providers adding the most value will be the most competitive.

makanahealthcare.co.za