Busamed Cafeteria Opened at UKZN’s Medical School

Staff and students at UKZN’s Nelson R. Mandela School of Medicine in Durban can now enjoy tasty and nutritious meals offered at an affordable rate to while relaxing and networking at a Busamed cafeteria launched on the ground floor of the School.

UKZN and Busamed private hospital leadership said some Medical students were from impoverished backgrounds, presenting a food insecurity challenge that needed to be addressed as the demanding MBChB curriculum requires optimal physical and mental functioning of staff and students alike.

UKZN’s Head of Dermatology and former Dean of Clinical Medicine, Professor Ncoza Dlova, whose vision and initiative in forging a partnership with a private catering company, were key to the successful establishment of the facility known as Busamed Flame Café said, “Public-private partnerships such this one between the University and Busamed are not about shifting responsibility but sharing it.” She thanked Mrs Mary David for working closely with her and operationalising the partnership with the University as well as the School Operations Manager Ms Nomakhwezi Khanyile for her support.

Medical School Occupational Nurse Sister Nozipho Jali said: “We’re very excited and happy about the calibre of food and professionalism displayed here today. We trust that the cafeteria will maintain the high standard. Thank you to Busamed and Reece, the Executive Chef at the launch!”

The guests agreed that food was not only delicious but also of high quality.

Monate Hospital Catering’s Group Operations Manager, Ms Dima Ramodike, said they were “committed to serving premium meals, with a personal touch,” noting that food provides comfort for doctors and patients alike. She stressed that doctors need to take care of themselves as much as they do for their patients – maintaining healthy diets was essential.

The cafeteria will also be available to patrons of the adjacent Victoria Mxenge Hospital – formerly King Edward VIII Hospital – that provides tertiary services to the whole of KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) and part of Eastern Cape, training a host of UKZN’s Medical students as well as Department of Health personnel.

Further plans for Busamed opening a pharmacy next to the cafeteria, are in progress, with services available to the public and private sector through medical aid or cash payments.

Said Busamed CEO Dr Dumani Kula: “The Busamed World of Care is all about bringing you exceptional healthcare by setting new standards of excellence. Our vision is to provide high-quality care and service that supports you through any medical challenge, ensuring your journey is as comfortable and reassuring as possible. Busamed’s modern hospitals are staffed with experts who deliver outstanding healthcare, continually raising the bar for clinical success and patient satisfaction worldwide.”

Dr Diliza Mji, founder, shareholder and a Director of the Busamed Group, is an alumnus of the Medical School and was recently honoured as one of UKZN’s Living Legends, for being among the first African surgeons and medical doctors venturing into the business of establishing private hospitals.

The group celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, with an increasing footprint of hospitals spreading across various provinces, and boasting “top-notch” cafeterias.

Words and photographs: Lunga Memela