Touching the lives of those who suffer

2006/03/16

With the ever-burgeoning HIV/Aids statistics, it has become apparent that an independent medical assistance, advice and counselling service is necessary for both infected and affected South Africans.

Europ Assistance South Africa (EASA) has been at the forefront of telephonic assistance services for over 22 years. EASA has all the mechanisms in place to render just such a service, especially to people who are infected through violent means, or by accident such as a needle prick injury.

“In fact, we have developed our EA Touch service specifically to manage such cases,” explains Mereki Mosia, EASA’s GM: Sales and Marketing. “EA Touch is a comprehensive product that assists people after the event, with aspects such as where to go for blood tests, what to expect once on Anti-Retro Virals, how to manage the side effects, how to deal with the emotions, blood test reminders and so on.

“It is a complete, ‘one call’ assistance programme that is already used by one of EASA’s biggest clients,” adds Mereki.

In the event of an assault, the client makes one call to the EASA call centre and all the necessary emergency services can be dispatched, including an ambulance for transport to the closest, most appropriate medical facility. The product includes a guaranteed monetary amount to be utilised for the consequences of the assault, including psychiatric visits.

In terms of exposure to HIV, the client has at their disposal, the following services:

• 24-hour telephonic access to trauma counsellors, who also manage counselling for post-traumatic stress disorder
• 3 psychiatric consultations with a specialist
• 3 HIV blood tests - one immediately after the event and the second and third at 6 weeks and 3 months respectively

Following the initial blood test, and if the client is tested HIV-negative, they are also entitled to further assistance such as:

• A 30-day starter pack of anti-retroviral medication
• A 7-day course of STI (Sexually Transmitted Infections) medication
• A ‘morning-after pill’ to prevent pregnancy
• Registration for an HIV management programme
• 24-hour telephonic access to the EASA HIV counselling centre for information, advice and support

Clients who are tested positive after the initial rapid tests have access to the following:

• 24-hours telephonic trauma and HIV counselling
• 3 consultations with a specialist
• A 7-day course of STI medication
• A ‘morning-after pill’ to prevent pregnancy

For more information on EA Touch, call the EASA information line on 0860 635 635, during office hours.