Donations sought for KZN Children’s Hospital
KZN Health MEC Dr Sibongiseni Dhlomo is pleading for funding to assist with the revamping and expanding of the KZN Children’s Hospital in Durban
THE hospital, which currently serves as a referral hospital for children with physical and mental disabilities across the province, was established in 1931 as the first dedicated children’s hospital in Africa.
Dhlomo said last week however that some of its buildings are in a state of disrepair and need urgent refurbishing.
Dr Arthi Ramkissoon of the KZN Children Hospital Trust said a sum of R240-million is required for the construction of a six-storey building for this purpose.
The Trust therefore needs at least one million bricks and is urging good Samaritans to help them by donating R100 for each brick.
MEC Dhlomo who has also donated 50 bricks urged others to do the same.
‘Because of the love that Madiba had for children, we are sure that he would have loved for this project to materialise.
‘In 2011, when some people approached me, I put it on the programme of the Department.
‘We are not contributing alone as a Department. We are opening it up to all other philanthropists, South Africans who love children and to internationalists, to make a contribution towards the building.’
He also pleaded with architects and construction companies to lend a hand.
‘There’s no contribution too big or too small that cannot assist us. A pensioner bought two bricks, which we really welcome and appreciate.
‘We will have all the specialists. Children will still be treated at all our hospitals but this will be a centre of excellence,’ Dhlomo said.
Dr Arthi Ramkissoon of the KZN Children Hospital Trust said the donations will make a big difference in improving access and the quality of healthcare services to children.
‘Once complete, the facility will have rehabilitation facilities for children, a swimming pool, full occupational physiotherapy gyms, acute rehabilitation wards, a growth and nutrition centre and a radiology theatre.
‘We want this to be up and running as quickly as possible. If we had the money, we would press the button and be up and running in 18 months’ time. We need about R100-million to press the button. We’ll need about R240-million and we’ve raised quite a bit of money,’ said Dr Ramkissoon.
Those who wish to make donations towards the building of the hospital may visit www.kznchildrenshospitalorg.za.
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