Online Reporter
Tanaka Nkala, Chronicle Reporter
IN a move set to strengthen Bulawayo’s public health system, the Higher Life Foundation has equipped the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) maternity ward with modern medical tools, addressing long standing resource gap in maternal health.
The donation comprised a truck-load of maternal equipment, which consisted of new born resuscitation equipment, phototherapy lamps, ventilators (neonatal), digital scales and others.
This is set to enhance the hospital’s capacity, bring joy and peace to many families who cannot afford private facilities or specialised supplies.
The donation comes at a time when public health institutions are struggling to meet rising demand for quality maternal services.
Speaking during the recent handover ceremony at the hospital, specialist physician representing the chief medical officer, Dr Fiona Nhari, expressed her appreciation to Higher Life Foundation and described the gesture as timely and impactful.
“We truly value all donations that come to the hospital because without your involvement in the works of the health sector, we may strive to do our best but with everything that you assist us with, it helps us do much better,” she said.
Dr Nhari said the new equipment would strengthen the hospital capacity, reduce maternal deaths and improve patient outcome.
Principal Nursing Officer, Mrs Sikhangezile Moyo, on behalf of the maternity ward said that the equipment will be helpful, especially in detecting jaundice and monitoring the heart rate of the newly born babies.
“There is no need for the nurses to be moving around with thermometers or another machine to check for saturation when everything is now captured using one machine,” she said.
In an interview with Chronicle, head of health at Higher Life Foundation, Mr Sarathiel Chaipa, said the donation was part of their projects of promoting health and support towards a reduction in maternal and neonatal maternity care.
“The death of one mother is one too many and the death of one baby means the nation has been robbed of future citizen,” he said.
Mr Chaipa emphasised that they are supporting institutions with the highest mortalities, which are all provincial hospitals across the country.
“All this is in support of the work being done by medical professionals so as to reduce the maternal and neonatal mortality in the country,” he added.
UBH has witnessed a significant improvement in maternal and newborn health outcomes and with the recent donation the hospital aims to enhance services amid Zimbabwe’s push for health outcomes.
