It is an irrefutable fact that many of the products Medical House supplies are generally produced in low cost labour countries with significantly lower standards across all aspects of employment than New Zealand.
Companies like Nike, Gap, and even Apple have fallen victim to the exposure of child labour, poor work conditions and other deficiencies in the production of their brands. The damage to their reputations has been difficult to calculate but there have been boycotts, petitions and widespread bad publicity.
A recent report estimated the worlds child labour population at 200 million, with 126 million estimated at being, “exposed to hazardous forms of child labour.”
Labour conditions are only one factor. Also important is the environmental impact of the factories. What are they allowing to enter the local environment and what long term effect on the communities is it threatening?
It is tempting from our sofa to comment with a serious frown about these evil Corporates and then check our mail on our iPhone, and then book our holiday in a third world holiday resort staffed with a dollar a day labour force. In these cases we can take the assurance from Apple that they are doing something, and console ourselves that our presence on that tropical island is at least contributing to the local economy.
But what about disposable consumables? Not a sexy product, so no journalists there to investigate... Who is caring about where, how and who in this case?
From its inception, Medical House has made a number of commitments with regard to the sourcing of these products in conjunction with its sister company. They include personally checking staff conditions, the environmental impact and product quality at all factories at least annually. Also, committing to a fair price policy where we will pay fair price for our goods from the factory based on them meeting our requirements above.
This means that we will always offer the best value available, but probably not be the cheapest - because these things cost. Protecting our and your reputation costs. But because of these things we do, we can answer the question you should be asking of all your suppliers...
Where does this stuff come from?
What’s it like there?
We are doing this not only because it should be good for business because people should care, but because we care.
As cliche as it seems, we do actually care about the guy who is working many hours a day packing latex gloves by hand into our boxes. Whose greatest opportunity in life is the job in front of him. He doesn’t have choice... He doesn’t get to decide which news channel he will watch when he gets home, and is never asked, “What would you like for tea tonight?” He doesn’t get to protest about being a 99%’er, or being against world poverty, or about oil pollution on his favourite beach... He’s too busy staying ahead of the line.
But we have the choice to make his life a fraction, just a fraction better by partnering with our suppliers (his boss) and helping them be smarter at what they do - for all our good.
Don’t buy from us because of what I say, but do ask the questions...
Where does this stuff come from?
What’s it like there?
Care.
PS - By the way - Our latex and nitrile glove factory provides excellent conditions for their staff. Gloves are packed in climate control sealed rooms. Water is recycled and the settling ponds populated with fish for the local village. Staff are provided with excellent accommodation and free food. They are offered a free medical clinic each month and for their families too. They like their boss and they like working there. I asked.
Posted by Steve Ardagh
