Stanbic Bank has handed over a donation of a haemodialysis machine valued at US$15 thousand to Gwanda Provincial Hospital in Matabeleland South, a development set to alleviate challenges faced by renal patients in the province.
The gesture by the financial institution followed a request for assistance by the health institution which is facing a number of operational challenges.
“Last year we were approached by authorities at Gwanda Hospital and they informed us of the need for a haemodialysis machine,” said Stanbic Bank, head of brand and marketing, Palmer Mugavha, during the handover ceremony at the hospital Monday.
“We understand the installation and testing took place last week and hence am proud to be representing Stanbic Bank to officially hand over a critical piece of equipment in addressing kidney failure challenges. The kidney is a critical organ in the body as it removes waste products and drugs from the body, balances the body’s fluids as well as releases hormones that regulate blood pressure.
Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs Minister, Abednico Ncube, who was represented by Provincial Development Coordinator, Latiso Dlamini who paid tribute to the bank for assisting the hospital said the donation had come at an opportune time when the hospital was at the peak of improving service delivery in line with the National Health Strategy to control non-communicable diseases.
“The Gwanda Provincial Hospital currently serves clients from Insiza District to as far as Beitbridge, meaning Stanbic have donated to the people of Matabeleland South,” said Dlamini.
“Dialysis serves to prolong life when the kidneys have failed due to diseases like hypertension, diabetes, mellitus, HIV, malaria and others.”
Dr Ruth Chikodzore, the Provincial Medical Director extended her gratitude to Stanbic Bank for the timely donation, which she said would go a long way in serving the Matabeleland South community.
The hospital’s Medical Superintendent, Dr Mthandazo Mabanga, also thanked the bank and other partners that have assisted the hospital in the past.
