Africa Distillers Limited Company (AFDIS) on Friday officially handed over a refurbished and fully furnished male ward at Harare hospital to government following reports that it was the most dilapidated ward at the State owned hospital.
This comes as a response to government’s call for corporates to support State owned hospitals and health facilities.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, AFDIS Managing Director, Cecil Gombera said that AFDIS was committed to compliment 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,” he said.
“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 operation.
AFDIS will support the male ward for the next five years as part of its strategy.
Speaking during the ceremony, the guest speaker Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo, commended the contributions by the private sector in improving the country’s healthcare delivery system.
“Government is committed to achieving affordable quality healthcare for all and the current economic environment requires more resources than the ones available hence the need for Public-Private Partnerships to achieve affordable and quality health for all,” he said.
“We encourage other corporates to emulate what AFDIS has done and also come on board to complement Government efforts,” he said
The ward was repainted, retiled and new blankets, bed sheets, curtains, electrical fittings and television sets were provided.