TELONE in collaboration with NetOne, have announced a joint COVID-19 response support facility to the tune of ZW$10million which is set to benefit three public hospitals namely Sally Mugabe (formerly Harare Hospital), Beatrice Infectious Diseases and Mpilo Hospitals.
By Michael Gwarisa
In a joint statement, TelOne Head of Corporate Communications Melody Harry and NetOne Public Relations Executive Elderette Shereni said the move was meant to strengthen existing public health institutions to deal with the COVID-19 as well as other epidemics post the COVID-19 phase.
Specific areas being funded are both for immediate COVID 19 response needs and long-term improvement in key areas as follows; Infrastructure Development through supporting the refurbishment and adoption of one ward at each of the hospitals,Medical Equipment including ICU and ward care beds, bedside lockers and other ward furniture as well as suction machines, oxygen tanks, nebulisers and patient monitors
“This partnership will also see us improve the water reticulation system through drilling and full installation of 3 boreholes at Sally Mugabe Hospital; 2 boreholes at Mpilo nd 1 borehole at Beatrice Infectious Diseases Hospital. Consumables which include FFP2 masks, N95 masks, dromex goggles, medium duty aprons, chemical overalls, cotton disposable overalls, glass face screens and an assortment of sanitisers and disinfectants,” they said.
They added that that all the consumables which are largely PPE, sanitisers and other disinfectants were already in place and ready for distribution to the selected facilities.
“The drilling of all 3 boreholes has also been completed with the other 3 in progress. Meanwhile refurbishment work is currently underway and should be finalized over the next few weeks, after which the new equipment will be delivered. The newly refurbished and fully equipped wards are expected to be unveiled and officially handed over by end of May 2020.
“Further to the $10million dedicated to this project, the two institutions have also contributed immensely towards the successful setting up of the National COVID 19 Hotline and are bearing the cost of all calls from the public terminating on our networks. Under this initiative the 2 entities donated 20 toll free lines and the requisite equipment to the National Emergency Operations Response Centre. In addition, contributions were also made towards the setting up of an Information Dissemination Hotline 2023, to enable the Ministry of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Call Centre set up.”
The two entities also added that they are pursuing innovations that will ease communication while supporting the COVID 19 fight, which we hope to unveil in due course.
