Understanding Shortage Allowances
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For NorthStandard Members seeking medical aid for crews, First Call Brazil offers fast, reliable, and effective support around the clock
Ensuring the health and well-being of crew members is paramount for shipowners and operators worldwide. However, accessing prompt, reliable, and cost-effective medical assistance in foreign ports can present significant challenges. Recognising this, NorthStandard has launched “First Call Brazil,” a dedicated programme designed to provide comprehensive medical support for crewmembers across Brazilian ports.
What is First Call Brazil?
First Call Brazil is a specialised programme devised by NorthStandard in collaboration with its trusted commercial correspondents in the country, Proinde and Brazil P&I. It is designed to assist NorthStandard members in arranging seamless medical treatment for crew disembarking in Brazilian ports. The service includes:
- Organising medical treatment at reputable facilities
- Coordinating transport to and from the ship
- Managing and auditing medical costs to prevent overpricing and overtreatment.
The programme’s primary objective is to deliver excellent medical care promptly, while minimising unnecessary repatriation and ensuring cost-effective treatment solutions.
How does it work?
When a vessel approaches or docks at a Brazilian port with an ill or injured crewmember, the Master can contact First Call via a dedicated 24-hour hotline. The correspondent will then:
- Promptly notify the port agent to facilitate medical referrals
- Arrange for a swift and appropriate transfer to a suitable medical facility
- Ensure prescribed medication is provided and, if medically safe, coordinate the crewmember’s return to the vessel
- Diligently audit all medical invoices and actively negotiate discounts where possible.
For severe cases, correspondents monitor ongoing treatment and provide regular updates, ensuring strict case management to avoid unnecessary procedures or inflated costs.
Transparent cost structure
First Call’s cost includes two components:
- A fee for the correspondent’s services, such as monitoring treatment and liaising with authorities.
- A separate fee of up to 25% of the savings achieved during the auditing process.
If no savings are made during the audit, there is no charge for the auditing service.
Contact Information
For assistance, NorthStandard members can reach out to the following:
Proinde: +55 13 99663 9439 | firstcall@almart.com.br (for Rio de Janeiro and all ports North of Rio de Janeiro)
Brazil P&I: +55 13 2191 7950 | firstcall@brazilpandi.com.br (for Santos and all ports South of Santos)
NorthStandard: Key contacts include Robert Robinson (+44 786 739 1391), Kenny Choo (+65 9625 2635), and Ross Waddell (+44 776 389 7728) | firstcall@north-standard.com
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