By Kudakwashe Pembere
African Distillers (AFDIS) has pledged to support a Harare Central Hospital male ward or the next five years, doing refurbishments and other donations.
Officiating the handover of the refurbished B8 male medical ward at Harare Central Hospital on Friday lauded the company for the donation.
He also said government appreciates the contributions of the private sector in improving the country’s healthcare delivery system.
“Government is committed to achieving affordable quality healthcare for all. The current economic environment requires more resources than are available hence the need for Public-Private Partnerships to achieve affordable and quality health for all,” Dr. Moyo said.
Dr Moyo added, “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.”
Speaking at the handover ceremony, AFDIS Managing Director, Mr Cecil Gombera said that AFDIS 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.
“As AFDIS, we intend to support the male ward for the next five years as part of our strategic response to the government’s call,” he said.
He added, “As an organization, we endeavour to make a positive difference to the communities that we serve. We do this by streamlining our operations to suit environmental requirements, encouraging responsible marketing and consumption of alcoholic beverages, and subscribing to the principle of sustainable development.”
The refurbished male Ward B8, which was officially handed over to Harare Hospital, was the most dilapidated ward 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.
