Stanbic hands over refurbished children’s ward at Sally Mugabe Hospital

SAMATHA MADE

Leading financial services institution, Stanbic Bank Zimbabwe, officially handed over a refurbished children’s ward along with some equipment at Sally Mugabe Hospital for a combined US$139 000.

Stanbic Bank refurbished the Children’s Ward – Ward B1 – for US$99 000 in addition to buying equipment worth US$40 000.

The Standard Bank Group subsidiary bought two Bubble CPAP 68C with trolley; humidifier and medical air compressor complete with  five masks; five Infusion pumps and five phototherapy Lamps.

Stanbic Bank Executive Director, Corporate and Investment Banking (CIB), Betty Murambadoro, said the financial services institution was pleased to give a new lease of life to the Ward as well as contribute towards a perfect shelter and treatment facilities for children.

The refurbishment was done last year while Stanbic Bank went the extra mile to buy equipment this year, culminating in yesterday’s handover.

Murambadoro said the refurbishment exercise included retiling the floors, painting the walls, carpentry and upgrading the electrical wiring and power points thus modernising the space for it to better serve children and the healthcare workers who care for them.

“We believe that healthcare is a pillar of any community’s well-being, which is why we decided to focus on this particular ward,” Murambadoro said.

“As a bank we invested US$ 99,000 to give B1 ward a new lease of life last year. This year, we extended our commitment by obtaining essential medical equipment worth USD 40,000—including humidifiers and compressors—critical machines that support children in the high-dependency units. These are not just pieces of equipment; they are life-saving interventions that give our young patients a greater chance to recover and thrive,” said Murambadoro.

She said the handover was not an isolated effort adding that Stanbic Bank and Sally Mugabe enjoy a longstanding mutually beneficial relationship which spans year.

Murambadoro said the handover of the Children’s Ward is a reaffirmation of Stanbic Bank’s commitment to continue partnering with Sally Mugabe, walking the journey by investing in the lives of Zimbabweans through healthcare support.

Stanbic Bank partnered with Sally Mugabe Central Hospital in April 2021, donating theatre equipment and refurbishing the maternity wing and a recovery room to improve the dire situation for expectant mothers at a total cost of $68 000.00

Murambadoro said each intervention was guided by a simple principle which acknowledges that healthcare is a fundamental pillar of community wellbeing, and all stakeholders had a role to play in strengthening it

“To the doctors, nurses, and staff of this hospital—we say thank you. Thank you for your dedication, your compassion, and your resilience in serving patients under challenging circumstances. While we can renovate buildings and provide equipment, it is you who breathe life into these efforts through your daily work,” said Murambadoro.

Sally Mugabe Central Hospital is the former Harare Central Hospital popularly referred to as Gomo Hospital and is the second largest public hospital after Parirenyatwa. The Children’s ward attended to over 2 500 children with different ailments last year. The Ward is specifically designated for children up to 17 years old with various conditions such as diabetes, respiratory issues, as well as infants with jaundice.

As part of its deliverables under the health pillar, Stanbic has this year to date, entered into partnership with CURE Children’s Hospital of Zimbabwe (CCHOZ) in Bulawayo through which it funds surgical operations of children living with correctible disabilities for US$22 500.

Through the partnership, Stanbic Bank funds life-changing surgical interventions for 15 children suffering from various correctible disabilities, including bowed legs, knocked knees, clubfoot, brittle bone disease, Weinsperger syndrome, acute trauma, burns, and contractures.

Stanbic Bank also donated autoclaves worth a combined US$80 000 to four key health facilities throughout the country for the sterilisation of vital equipment and maintenance of higher standards of health control as well as bought sun protection equipment for people living with albinism for US$38 000.

Speaking at the event, Sally Mugabe Hospital, Director of Clinical Services, Dr. Harunavamwe Chifamba, praised the long-standing partnership with Stanbic.

“We applaud Stanbic Bank for cementing its relationship with this institution through its purchase of life-saving equipment and timely refurbishments. This collaboration with Stanbic Bank began years ago and we pray that it continues for years to come. The medical equipment bought, specifically phototherapy lamps are important for treating babies with jaundice,” said Dr Chifamba.