adminThe council operates 19 clinics and one infectious disease hospital. Of the 19 clinics, 16 are located in the high-density suburbs and cater for approximately 80 percent of Bulawayo’s population.
The donated material included hand soap, bleach, capsules for blood pressure, bond paper, gloves and cotton wool.
Speaking at the handover ceremony at Pelandaba Clinic, the mayor of Bulawayo, Councillor Thaba Moyo, said the donated items would help in limiting the spread of infection at the clinics.
“A number of donated items will be helpful in our endeavour to limit the spread of infection at the clinics. The practice of infection control at our health institutions is important to ensure protection of health workers and patients,” said Clr Moyo.
“We also want to ensure that a patient who comes for treatment for a particular disease does not contract another through lack of observance.”
He expressed gratitude for the donation and said the medicine donated would go a long way in assisting the elderly in different communities.
“We all know that the council’s budget performs poorly as industrial activity in the city and the country remains depressed.
“It is therefore with gratitude that I accept these items from the Rotary Club, which have lessened the burden we have. The medicine will be useful particularly to our elderly population suffering from joint disorders and high blood pressure,” said Clr Moyo.
The president of the Rotary Club Bulawayo South, Mrs Sandy Whitehead, said her organisation was happy to work with the Bulawayo City Council.
“We are grateful to be able to make a small difference in the lives of patients and staff as our theme for this year is ‘Reach within to Embrace Humanity’.
“We are aware of the vital role that the clinics play in our local health sector and that is the main reason why we sought resources to assist our municipal clinics,” said Mrs Whitehead.
She said her club would continue helping the council so that health standards in the city improve.
Speaking during a brief tour of Pelandaba Clinic soon after the occasion, the council’s director of health services, Dr Zanele Hwalima, said she was grateful for the
donation although they were still facing many challenges.
“I will like to extend my gratitude to the Rotary Club for this donation, which is a three months supply for our clinics. We, however, still need more to improve the health standards because we have a lot of challenges,” said Dr Hwalima.
She said the clinics needed financial assistance to purchase equipment and medicine.
“We have a lot of challenges. Our maternity wards need new linen for the mothers. We have a shortage of staff and there are many things that are not in place,” said Dr Hwalima.
Online Reporter