13 Apr 2016

Bomaid has recently revealed their improved maternity benefits and also unveiled its revamped Bombaby logo.   According to a press release, the development comes on the heels of Bomaid having revealed a refreshed corporate identity to the members and stakeholders earlier this year.

In her address to the members, providers and other stakeholders, Dr Lorato Mangadi, the fund administration manager for Southview (Pty) Ltd, said the Bomaid maternity programme, commonly known as Bombaby, was started in 2009 in response to the society’s desire to not only offer maternity care and support to their expectant members in line with international best practices but to also contribute positively towards the Ministry of Health’s Safe Motherhood Initiative goal of achieving a reduction in maternal morbidity and mortality as well as reduction in obstetric complications”.  

She said the programme complements the care and support which members receive from their doctors. Dr Mangadi further stated that as a funder, Bomaid is concerned about the ever rising rates of Caesarean section deliveries, adding that on average, Bomaid has funded 1 000 pregnancies every year for the last 3 years and during the same period, the scheme has paid P37m towards confinement and child birth alone.

“For this period, Bomaid has seen, on average, a 45:55 split between natural births and Caesarean births. For 2015 alone, the rate of C-sections was a high as 61%”,” she stated.
Dr Mangadi notes that the scheme appreciated and respected the role and merits of surgical births, adding that, they wanted members to be well informed of their birthing options and the pros and cons of each option before child birth.

She cautions that “unnecessary C-sections are not only costlier than natural births but can raise the risk of complications for the mother and baby. She calls upon members and providers to work with the scheme to reduce the rate of C-sections to reasonable levels.

“Through collaboration with the Ministry Of Health, rates of C-sections, at national level, can be reduced to acceptable levels. The Bombaby programme is the first of its kind in Botswana that is most comprehensive,” she says.

The scheme’s initiative is to enhance awareness and improve maternity education to members so that they can make informed choices about their health. It also includes cover for antenatal classes aimed at empowering expectant parents with critical information including birthing options.

For her part, sales and marketing Manager for Southview, Ms Beulah Mapitse, explained that the Bombaby logo was inspiration which was derived from the refresh concept. “The logo elements of the Bombaby combined together are meant to emphasize the bond that Bomaid has with their members, thus stamping its authority on life being a journey even from the Serurubele Centre management shared with the audience services they offer to Bomaid members and to the public in general.”  ENDS