Chronicle Editor
Michell Zvanyanya, Chronicle Reporter
THE National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) has transported, for free, three wagons of coal from Hwange to Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo and also donated 10 refuse bins to the institution.
Speaking during the handover ceremony of the coal and bins at the hospital on Wednesday, NRZ Public Relations Manager, Mr Nyasha Maravanyika, said the donation is in line with the organisation’s strategic plan to contribute to the provision of effective health services to patients in the country.
He said through their corporate hand in health care, NRZ is concerned with promoting the welfare of patients at Mpilo Central Hospital, Mater Dei Hospital and Ingutsheni Hospital in the city with the hope of extending the gesture to other health institutions countrywide.
“As NRZ we have managed to fulfil our donation and promise to Ingutsheni Central Hospital which has also saved the hospital from shelling out large sums of money for transporting coal from Hwange whose cost currently stands at RTGS$250 to transport each tonne. This is part of our corporate social responsibility investment programme that we have as an organisation. Our investment is not only done in financial terms but is also done to create a good image and reputation.”
“Initially, Ingutsheni had only requested for the provision of bins but as an organisation we realised the need to extend our assistance to ensure the welfare of patients at the hospital. That is why we have today managed to provide both the bins and free transportation of three wagons of coal from Hwange to Bulawayo. Coal is important in the running of the institution because it is widely used for domestic purposes,” said Mr Maravanyika.
He said the coal will help in ensuring that patients are provided with a normal daily diet and bath routines for their good health.
Ingutsheni Acting Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Nyasha Chibvongodze, expressed gratitude to NRZ for contributing to the hospital’s sustainability.
He said as a health institution they have no means of generating revenue as they provide free medical services to mentally ill patients.
“In the institution, we currently have more than 600 admitted patients who look up to the hospital for all their needs. We provide free medical services for the patients and this means that we do not generate any revenue as an institution. We therefore look up to several government departments for expenditure funds. With friends like NRZ we are able to operate as an institution and we would like to express our gratitude towards the goodwill that has been shown by NRZ in supporting us,” said Mr Chibvongodze-@michellzvanyanyan2
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