FREE STATE DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH RECEIVES PPE DONATION

On Friday, 21 August 2020, representatives from Mediclinic Southern Africa handed over much needed Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to the value of approximately R1 600 000, to the Free State Department of Health. “In previous years, our partnership with Mediclinic has included assistance to address surgical backlogs as well as provision of equipment.

The provision of the PPE during a time where our hospitals are under constant pressure to maintain safe, quality care is thus most welcome. It is fortunate that they were able to procure high quality PPE at the onset of the pandemic, which they are now able to share with us. It is important now more than ever that we work together to meet the healthcare challenges facing our region,” says Montsheng Tsiu, MEC Free State Department of Health. The PPE was procured by Mediclinic but is now in excess of their requirements, creating the ideal opportunity to assist the Department of Health in this province. The PPE includes coveralls as well as KN95 respirators, both of which are known to meet the strict quality requirements Mediclinic sets for their providers. “In a country that is still working together to fight the pandemic, this is just a small measure of the assistance we are able to bring to our partners in healthcare.

The Free State province has experienced a large number of infections, but together the public and private sectors have managed the demands on our facilities with professionalism and with courage. If we can recognise the important work being done by all healthcare workers – providing PPE is probably the most practical and valuable way to do so,” says Frikkie Burger, Operations Executive Mediclinic Central Region. “We are happy that the MEC and Free State Department of Health were open to us when we approached them with this offer. A definite indication that a strong working relationship is the key to providing quality healthcare in the province.” “We know that expertise has been shared between all levels of the healthcare industry. Doctors, academics and other experts have worked together to create a climate that allows for the best possible treatment of patients. Mediclinic is proud to be associated with this donation. A simple gesture of mutual respect and appreciation,” says Bob Govender, Industry Affairs Executive for Mediclinic Southern Africa.