BY STEVE EPHRAEM
IN a development that will see patients benefitting from continued availability of oxygen at Chipinge District Hospital, a development partner, World Vision, has facilitated funding of a 5 000 litre oxygen reservoir and accessories at the health institution.
With funding from Global Affairs Canada, the oxygen project was implemented under Tongogara Refugee Camp Action for COVID 19 Emergency Response and Preparation.
According to World Vision’s Joel Bizure, the hospital qualified to receive the equipment intended for refugees since residents of Tongogara Refugee Camp receive second level medication at Chipinge District Hospital.
The project included the following (a) installation of the reservoir and tubing to essential wards, (b) supply of oxygen concentrators and laboratory biosafety cabinet and (c) supply of antigen Rapid Diagnosis Test kits, COVID 19 Personal Protective Equipment and bed linen to isolation centres.
The project was supported by the Government of Zimbabwe through the Department of Social Development, United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees and Terre Des Hommes.
Verify Engineering was contracted to instal the equipment under the supervision of The Department of Public Works.
Chipinge District Development Coordinator, Mr William Mashava, in company of Tongogara Refugee Camp Administrator Mr Johanne Mhlanga and other key stakeholders on Thursday (2 March) were taken on a tour of the facility by the Acting District Medical Officer for Chipinge, Dr O. Matekenya and his staff. During that tour, Mr Mashava urged the hospital staffers to safeguard the valuable oxygen resource.