After years of
studies and numerous attempts by health care workers and medical companies, Lechoba |
Lechoba Medicals is now able to assist health care workers to work with peace of mind, unhindered by the occupational hazard that has plagued health care workers for decades: Needle Stick Injuries involving contaminated needles. Money cannot buy peace of mind but VanishPoint products can.
This new type of syringe and blood collection tube holder has passed stringent tests in the U.S.A including that of the highest regulatory body, the F.D.A (Food and Drug Administration).
The 3cc, 5cc and 10cc VanishPoint syringes come complete with the needle. Together with the blood collection tube holder, they are a series of cost effective, safe needle devices that employ automated retraction. The needle automatically and completely retracts into the barrel of the syringe / holder upon completion of an injection or blood withdrawal. It is one hundred percent effective in preventing accidental needle stick injuries according to a study published in the Journal of Health Care Safety, Compliance and Infection Control. They are the first commercial products in South Africa to feature automated retraction technology.
Statistics prove that more than one million accidental needle stick injuries are reported annually among health care workers. Experts estimate that another two million go unreported. There injuries can lead to the transmission of hepatitis, HIV / AIDS and a host of other blood borne diseases.
What about medical costs? Even when infection does not result, the necessary testing and follow up can cost as much as R2 000.00 per incident according to published studies. These products also eliminate the trauma and anguish experience by the victim of needle stick injuries by eliminating such injuries. The VanishPoint products have won numerous awards in the States with regards to the safety and efficiency including the Risk and Insurance award in 1997. It is also the only syringe and blood collection tube holder whose use is compelled by legislation in sic American States. It can be seen as a product that will be used in most parts of the world because of its unquestionable safety features.
Health Care workers all over S.A who have seen the new technologies are amazed at the simplicity and reliability of the products and describe it as "magical". "This technology will replace the existing syringe and blood collection devices", is our most frequently heard comment. Preventative health care at its best is what Lechoba Medicals aims for and the VanishPoint range is excellent testimony to this.
VanishPoint products are the first in a series of medical devices aimed at eliminating accidental needle stick injuries, reducing the spread of blood borne diseases and other new technological products that will be marketed by Lechoba Medicals (Pty) Ltd. Lechoba Medicals now invites you to join in our vision to save lives and avoid diseases.
We, the representatives of organised labour in South Africa, comprising of the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the Federation Unions of South Africa (FEDUSA), the National Council of Trade Unions (NACTU) as well as independent trade unions, acknowledge that: the HIV/AIDS epidemic affects the economically active people in our country, South Africa the proportions to which the disease is spreading and the serious challenges it poses to the country's development and future poorliving conditions and low wages are factors that make it difficult for many people to change behaviour that puts them at risk of HIV infection
Our response, therefore, must be to campaign for HIV prevention and care with the same determination and energy with which we fight many other working class struggles. We say AIDS must be made a priority issue for every trade union member. Campaigns to stop AIDS must be discussed at every trade union meeting. It is now clear that awareness-raising and condom distribution, though important, are not enough. This requires a new approach and strategy, therefore, labour will confront the HIV/AIDS epidemic with the same tools of the struggle: tenacity, vigor and militancy.
We therefore pledge to:
Uphold and enforce the Employment Equity Act
Press for adoption of a legally enforceable Code of Good Practice on AIDS and Employment
Join and support campaigns for accessible and affordable treatment for people with HIV/AIDS
With a resolute determination to achieve the above, we recommit ourselves to a partnership with our government and other organs of civil society to ensure that the spread of HIV/AIDS is stopped; that the impact of AIDS on infected and affected people is minimised; and that the dignity of all South Africans living with HIV/AIDS is respected.
Signed by the leadership of the three Federations and the Independent Trade Unions in South Africa.
