Luthando Clinical Services CC (Luthando) was established by Dr Luthando Adams in 2010. As a research specialist with more than 20 years of clinical research locally and internationally, Dr Adams identified a clear need for the provision of primary healthcare in Cosmo City while looking for a location for his research centre. The project was quickly expanded to include a day-clinic that provides basic healthcare to users in the area. Leading from this, the need for a sub-acute facility (also known as a step-down facility) became apparent. The facility in Cosmos City now comprises the day clinic, sub-acute facility and research unit, with an expected construction cost of R18.6 million.
Discovery became involved when Dr Adams approached us for funding. However, after careful review, Discovery's Enterprise and Supplier Development (ESD) team recommended that the business model and financial planning for the centre should be strengthened before it could be considered for sizable funding support. We provided direct assistance to Dr Luthando to achieve this and thus meet Discovery's ESD requirements to gain funding support.
Discovery provided additional loans as the project progressed. Also, more recently, the Department of Health required that Dr Luthando make certain alterations to the sub-acute hospital to meet licencing requirements. Discovery Group's Facilities and Procurement teams assisted in various project initiatives to meet the requirements, including providing quotes from their suppliers and assisting in overall project management.
Our objective in the partnership with Luthando is clear - it links directly to establishing and growing businesses in our value chain, as well as supports job creation, expanded access to healthcare and transformation in the health sector.