adminThe development is also likely to reduce the number of referrals to overburdened Bulawayo hospitals.
The anaesthetic machine is used in all operations while the surgical led light is essential to provide different light colours during operations.
The machines valued at $49 000 were donated by outgoing Salvation Army Territorial Commander, Commissioner Venice Chigariro at a farewell ceremony held in Bulawayo on Sunday.
Presenting the state of the art equipment, Comm Chigariro said it was part of the church’s vision to provide affordable and quality healthcare to all.
The hospital, situated about 160km is owned by the Salvation Army Church.
“I am happy to be presenting these two machines to Tshelanyemba Hospital and I am sure they will go a long way in saving lives of many in this part of the country.
“I would like to thank the church’s women’s ministries which raised money for these machines,” said Comm Chigariro.
In an acceptance speech, an official at the hospital, Major Edward Jeremiah, thanked Comm Chigariro for the theatre equipment.
“We thank the Commisioner for the timely donation because our machines were outdated and we could not perform major operations at our institution.
“This resulted in us reffering major operations to Bulawayo and now we won’t have any transfers and this will ease pressure on Mpilo Central Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mater Dei where we used to refer patients,” said Maj Jeremiah.
In an interview after the event, Comm Chigariro said she was leaving the country to work in Kenya East Territory.
“I feel happy and encouraged to preach the word of God in Kenya because it has no boundaries,” said Comm Chigariro.
She said she was happy of the developments she achieved during her four year term of office in Zimbabwe.
“I have worked well with my officers in Zimbabwe. I came into office in 2008 during the hyper-inflation period.
“It was a tough time for us as we have old people’s homes and hospitals to maintain but we pulled through,” said Comm Chigariro.
She said she managed to secure cars, hospital equipment, built houses, church halls and attributed all the achievements to God’s work.
Comm Chigariro will be replaced by Commissioner Colonel Henry Nyagah, an officer of the Kenya East Territory, who was serving as a territorial leader in Malawi.
derick.khumalo
Online Reporter