Welwitschia Extends A Helping Hand Do Your Part!

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“In a time of crisis the private sector needs to play its part.

Matthias Braune; Erongo Medical Group

Welwitschia Private Hospital initiated a corona-care campaign to ensure that the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund state hospitals are equipped to respond to any possible future COVID-19 cases in the Erongo region.

Matthias Braune, CEO of the Erongo Medical Group, said that the campaign is to coordinate the effort between public and private health care facilities.

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“We received quite a number of requests from the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund state hospitals in terms of assistance this past week, and it is our duty to assist. In a time of crisis the private sector needs to play its part. The campaign is not only about fundraising. We need to buy many consumables and equipment for the two hospitals’ isolation facilities.”

The campaign has an email address which is being used as a starting point to put a database of willing companies and individuals in place that the hospital can call on in time of need.

“This can, for example, include assistance by an electrician that can assist us when needed. Individuals can pledge their time, funds or equipment. We are calling on businesses in the Walvis Bay and Swakopmund community for, in particular, monitoring systems, ventilators systems and consumables needed in the isolation facilities. This is not to create panic, but just to be ready for whatever may come.”

The hospital donated 10 beds with mattresses, five over-bed tables and four trolleys to the Walvis Bay State Hospital to kick start the campaign.

Financial Consulting Services (FCS) will be the independent auditor in charge of the funds received and to maintain accountability for the entire project.

Erongo governor Cleophas Mutjivikua commended Welwitschia hospital for the initiative and for taking the lead in private-public partnership.

“I call on the local fishing industry to help us in equipping isolation wards at the two state hospitals. I am also calling on our mines such as Rössing Uranium, Swakop Uranium, Langer Heinrich and Navachab to make a contribution. I’m also calling on residents of our town to take the precautionary measures announced to heart, such as practicing personal hygiene and social distancing.”

Mutjivikua also called upon local authorities within the region to make sure that each resident has access to safe, clean drinking water for the next 30 days.

“We know we have some water disconnection problems as well as huge informal settlements in the region, and it is time we move to ensure that residents have water. I am calling on Namwater in Erongo to ensure that the water is clean and safe. We are already experiencing water problems in Karibib, where it is the colour of chocolate.”

Dr Amir Shakir, chief principal officer of the ministry of health and social services, said that the isolation facilities can cater for up to 25 people.

“We are currently in talks to create a toll free number for Erongo residents if anyone should suspect they made contact with the virus. However, the ministry is screening all people entering through our harbour and airports to ensure the safety of our people. ”

If the COVID-19 crisis is diverted and the campaign still has funds or equipment available, projects will be identified through the office of the governor to allocate it to.

Make a donation

Interested parties can get in contact via email at coronacare@welwitschiahospital.com or make donations to the campaign.

Bank details are:
First National Bank,
Account number 622 71 71 7286,
Walvis Bay,
Branch code 282 172.

Originally featured on Erongo.com.na, 19 March 2020