More equipment for improved patient care at Katutura Health Centre

Dr Andreas Mwoombola (fifth from left), the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Social Services, Mr Hans-Wilhelm Schütte (back, centre right), the Managing Director of Ohorongo Cement, and the staff of the Katutura Health Centre celebrate the substantial medical equipment donation they received earlier this week.

The Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust in collaboration with Support Ulm e.V., a German charity donated medical equipment to the value of N$41,000 to the Ministry of Health and Social Services, for improved workflow and patient care at the Katutura Health Centre.

The range of equipment comprises digital scales for weighing adults, digital paediatric weighing scales and suction machines. The equipment was received on behalf of the ministry by Permanent Secretary, Dr Mwoombola.

As the only healthcare centre in Katutura, it has seen a drastic increase in patient numbers over the past few years. The centre serves a population of over 106,000. The new equipment will help make the task of the healthcare professionals easier in dealing with so many patients.

“We are very grateful for what Ohorongo is doing through their Trust, as we would not be able to carry out our mandate without assistance such as this. We all understand that without these items, delivery of quality care to our patients will be negatively affected,” said Dr Mwoombola.

Schütte, who is also the Chairman of the Ohorongo Otavi Community Trust, said “We are delighted to be involved in initiatives to strengthen the critical work that this ministry is doing to ensure quality health services to the nation.”

The donation falls under a technical co-operation agreement between Support Ulm e.V., the Ohorongo community trust and the Ministry of Health and Social Services to provide medical equipment as prioritized by the ministry to improve medical care in public health facilities. The agreement also makes provision for the exchange of medical professionals.

Late last year, the community trust and Support Ulm e.V donated medical equipment to Oshakati State hospital to the value of N$688,000.

Ohorongo Cement has also donated 34 tons of cement for the construction of the Etunda Clinic in the Otjiwarongo district. This clinic is nearing completion. The sponsoring partners have committed N$600,000 for Etunda.