Non-profit entity to MTN Uganda; the MTN Uganda Foundation on Friday handed over the revamped out-patient department (OPD) block to Kabarole Hospital Church of Uganda (C.O.U) and donated hospital equipment to benefit hundreds of patients who frequent one of Western Uganda’s busiest public hospitals.
For those unaware about the Foundation, it was inaugurated in July 2007 as a vehicle through which MTN Uganda implements its corporate social investments (CSI). The main objective is to improve the quality of life in communities across the country by supporting and implementing sustainable projects in education, health, art and sciences, sports and other national priorities.
During the handover ceremony, 10 hospital beds, 10 hospital mattresses, 10 hospital blankets and 10 mosquito nets were received by officials from the Ministry of Health and Kabarole Hospital.
“Our donation today is small but will go a long way to assist each and every patient who comes here to get better treatment by ensuring their stay here is made as comfortable as possible in order to aid their full healing and recovery,” MTN Uganda’s CEO, Wim Vanhelleputte said at the event.
He further said that as part of their Access to Health Care initiative Project, its their aim as MTN Uganda to support the delivery of better quality health services to all across Uganda through the provision of hospital equipment.
Access to quality health services is enshrined in the Goal Number 3 of the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The nine goals were developed in order to direct the path for development around the world.
According to the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the third SDG is “Good health and well-being” which targets “access to quality essential health-care services” for all.
The Senior Manager Corporate Affairs at MTN Uganda, Ms. Justina Ntabgoba-Kayemba, praised the work done by the staff of Kabarole Hospital, which has been in existence for almost 115 years, in delivery of health services to residents of Fort Portal.
“We congratulate the Kabarole Hospital staff for the great work done towards provision of outreach services, core clinical services, community health services and medical operational services. This donation will rejuvenate them to carry out their duties better,” she said.
The Medical Superintendent Kabarole Hospital, Mr. Edward Mugisha noted that the donation will enable the private-not-for-hospital become more self-sustaining and deliver affordable healthcare.
“The hospital is reliant on donor funding but this has been declining. The funds are used to cover utilities and provide for the staff leaving less money for us to finance our several infrastructure projects. This donation and renovation frees some resources to ensure we deliver affordable healthcare.”
