Acting Chief Executive Officer for Mpilo Central Hospital Professor Solwayo Ngwenya says the increase in Covid-19 cases in Bulawayo is worrying and there is need for more resources and manpower to manage the situation.
He made these remarks while receiving a donation from Pendulum Pharmaceuticals, a medical supplies company which officially opened its branch in Bulawayo on Wednesday.
Pendulum Pharmaceuticals donated equipment worth US$45 000 consisting of surgical bed sheets, guedel airways, manual resuscitators (PVC and Silicone) as well as vaginal specurum.
Prof Ngwenya expressed gratitude to the company for the kind gesture.
“We are so grateful for such kind assistance. The equipment we received today is very crucial as it ranges from life saving equipment, surgical rooms equipment, cervical screening and information control equipment,” said Prof Ngwenya.
“Although we have been buying some of the stuff from National Pharmaceuticals, this huge donation will enable the hospital to divert funds to buying other equipment which is necessary for fighting Covid-19.”
Prof Ngwenya said the surgical sheets arrived at an opportune time as one of the most important conditions of fighting the Coronavirus is hygiene.
“The substantive amount of sheets we received will enable us to change sheets quite often for our patients. You are all aware that Covid-19 requires a lot of hygiene for it not to spread,” he said.
Pendulum pharmaceuticals regional manager, Precious Ndebele noted that their organisation strives to supply solutions to the pharmaceuticals supply chain sector.
She said the effectiveness of key health players results in an improved health system as a whole.
The guest of honour at the official opening of the pharmacy, celebrated poet and musician Albert Nyathi, commended the company for considering Bulawayo as a place to bring their business.
Nyathi said the move would create employment for locals and would help to regulate prices for medication due to increased competition.
“We would also like to commend Pendulum for acknowledging that Bulawayo, apart from being an industrial hub, it is also a cultural hub. It is very rare to for an artist to be tasked to be guest of honor at such events,” remarked Nyathi.
