SIEMENS South Africa, the German government and the Solidarity Fund recently handed over a 100-bed modular extension to the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in Mdantsane.
It was built in less than 100 days and, according to Siemens, will help alleviate the negative impact caused by the coronavirus on the medical system and improve access to healthcare beyond the pandemic.
The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development – through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) – is funding the project with up to R63 million.
The charitable association Siemens Caring Hands has contributed donations of R9 million raised from Siemens employees, effectively doubling the in-kind contributions made by Siemens and Siemens Healthineers.
Pharmaceutical company Aspen Pharmaceuticals has provided an additional R4 million for the project. The South African Solidarity Fund managed the donations while the Eastern Cape Department of Health is deploying staff and medical supplies.
“We will only defeat COVID-19 by working together globally or not at all. That is why we are working with South Africa to help it establish its own vaccine production,” said Dr. Gerd Müller, German Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development at the ribbon cutting ceremony.
Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens AG said, “Governments and companies must stand together in the fight against COVID-19. This project shows how through collaboration and technology, we can tackle big challenges and transform societies”.
The extension will be equipped with Siemens Healthineers medical technology which includes Acuson P500 ultrasound units, Mobilett Elara Max X-Ray machines and blood gas machines. This range of imaging equipment is designed for maximum mobility and, according to the company, is indispensable in detecting Covid-19 infections.
It also includes Siemens’ reliable fire detection range as well as modern UV disinfection equipment from Violet Defense that will support in controlling contaminations in high contact areas of the modular hospital.
