Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo last Friday officially opened Harare Central Hospital’s male ward which was renovated by the Zimbabwe Stock Exchange listed company, African Distillers (AFDIS) as part of its corporate social responsibility to the community.
Speaking during the official opening, Moyo said AFDIS’s support will lessen pressure on the already strained public budget, allowing the government to concentrate on the provision of health to other vulnerable populations.
“I want to commend, AFDIS for their efforts and work in refurbishing this male ward. I am glad to hear that AFDIS is committed to take care of the ward for the next five years. I encourage other corporates to emulate what AFDIS has done and also come on board to compliment Government efforts,” Dr Moyo said.
“You have really demonstrated that you care about health of the community despite, and you are playing your part in pushing towards the attainment of the SDGs. Your hand is God sent,” he added.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, AFDIS Managing Director, Cecil Gombera said his company was committed to complimenting government’s efforts to foster development in communities.
“AFDIS specifically chose Harare Hospital after considering that it is a major Government referral hospital which has a huge volume of patients coming from all over Harare and beyond. As a wholly owned Government institution, the hospital charges minimal or controlled rates to patients, hence the need for assistance, especially in this economic environment to supplement and complement its operations,” Gombera said.
The refurbished male Ward B8 was the most dilapidated part at the institution according to officials at the hospital.
The refurbishment saw the ward being replenished with new hospital blankets, bed sheets, curtains, new tiles, electrical fittings, television sets, plumbing fittings and repainting, among other items.
