In support of primary healthcare in the Siyancuma Local Municipality, a number of healthcare facilities received much needed medical equipment. The handover of the equipment took place on 23 February 2022, with the Department of Health local office and Provincial Emergency Medical Services (EMS) office officials in attendance.
In partnership with the Department of Health, Boikanyo Solar funded the equipment as part of their Healthcare Support Programme, which has a keen focus on supporting the needs of primary healthcare facilities that service the beneficiary communities. These facilities include: Breipaal Healthcare Clinic, Bongani Healthcare Clinic as well as the Hester Malan Hospital and the EMS.
Due to a shortage of medical equipment, healthcare facilities had to refer patients to the hospital as it was the only facility with an ECG machine. As a result, patients would have to travel far and wait a long time to receive medical care, causing a backlog at the hospital.
“The healthcare facilities were in desperate need of assistance as the equipment available was either outdated or faulty. With this donation, we are confident that this medical equipment will allow the department to better serve the community and foster a healthy environment for all,” said Pamela Matyeka, Community Liaison Officer for Boikanyo Solar.
Among the equipment provided was an ECG recorder, two vital signs monitors, numerous fingertip pulse oximeters, Hilbro laryngoscope sets, as well as an EMS team tool kit. The availability of this equipment will enable healthcare facilities to provide better treatment plans in a more efficient manner.
“The equipment issued to EMS team will be in good use in case of emergency. When the ambulance is delayed and the EMS team is activated about the emergency, having a fully equipped jumper bag can help in stabilising a patient until the ambulance arrives,” concluded one of the Douglas EMS managers.
