The synergy between the giant non-ferrochrome smelting company, the Zimbabwe Mining and Smelting Company (Zimasco) and Kwekwe General Hospital in a Public-Private-Partnership (PPP) was enhanced after the company donated an assortment of medical equipment worth over US$100 000 to the health institution last Wednesday under the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) banner. The donation was handed over to the Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Larry Mavima by Zimasco’s executive chairman Lu Xiangkun. The donation which came at a critical time when the Covid-19 pandemic cases are rising, included, beds, medicine trolleys, computers, television sets, solar heaters, air conditioners and electrocardiography (ECG) machines.
Zimasco adopted the maternity ward at this institution and last year it carried out a massive refurbishment of that section at the hospital and more recently drilled a borehole in order to help improve sanitation and hygiene. Minister Mavima, speaking at the event, expressed his gratitude and appreciation for the donation made by Zimasco. He also thanked other corporates which made various donations to the Kwekwe District referral centre, in an effort to help improve the health delivery system. He said, “I am exhilarated to hand over an assortment of equipment valued at US$110 000 and indeed this equipment is critical. I appreciate the level of effort and contributions made by Zimasco towards fighting against Covid-19 in Kwekwe district.
“The donation of boreholes by Zimasco has had enormous impact towards improvement in water sanitation and hygiene which are critical components of Covid-19 mitigation and control. “The Government has adopted an inclusive approach towards this fight. My sincere gratitude goes to other corporates and Zimasco in particular for their sterling efforts towards improving our health delivery system”. Senator Mavima added that the donated equipment will go a long way in addressing capacity issues at Kwekwe General Hospital. He urged corporates and other development partners to emulate the good work by Zimaso and engage fully in corporate social responsibility and make Kwekwe a better place. “Corporates and individuals should extend partnerships with various government sectors to enhance innovation for improved health service delivery in the country. This donation by Zimasco came at an opportune time when the health facility is in dire need of refurbishment.
“Government acknowledges the invaluable commitment by health personnel, especially in this Covid-19 pandemic period. The Government is committed in resolving labour related issues in the health sector,” said Mavima. Speaking at the same occasion Kwekwe General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Patricia Mapanda thanked Zimasco for the donation saying it will go a long way in helping the health institution give first class treatment to patients. “I really appreciate the good work being done by Zimasco despite the fact that it is also facing economic challenges, it continues to do good and it has demonstrated that one thing that can travel faster than any virus is love.
“I’m aware that the Government and other corporates are also facing economic challenges though their desire is to help deliver a quality and comprehensive health care system to the citizens of Zimbabwe. “To the leadership of Zimasco and its workers, I say you have demonstrated to this community and especially Kwekwe General Hospital, your love and kindness to the under privileged. Honestly, the Moto of corporate social responsibility and Public-Private-Partnership demonstrated by Zimasco today should be emulated by all businesses and individuals,” said Dr Mapanda.
The Zimasco executive chairman Xiangkun pledged to continue supporting the local health facility. “We were here last year in June, handing over a refurbished maternity ward to the First Lady of Zimbabwe Auxillia Mnangagwa, a world class maternity ward for the benefit of ordinary citizens. Today we are donating an assortment of medical equipment to the hospital. We will continue to support the hospital,” said Xiangkun. Kwekwe General Hospital has 300 beds serving 300 000 residents of Kwekwe district and also has a nursing school with 200 students doing midwifery training.
[Source: Public Eye]
