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Harvest Group of Companies Limited, through its foundation, has donated 200 mattresses and blankets to Petauke District Hospital, valued at over K300,000.
The corporate social responsibility initiative is in response to growing number of patients, especially pregnant women, who are unable to secure decent bed spaces in the maternity wing of the hospital.
The donation is expected to bring relief to nursing mothers and others who are currently braving the cold season and sleeping on hospital floors.
Announcing the handover of the mattresses and blankets at an elaborate event held in the hospital complex on Saturday, Head, Corporate Communications at Harvest Group of Companies Limited, Sam Ibemere, said, among others:
“It is our hope that this modest intervention will bring the patients some comfort and relief, as they recuperate from ill-health. We pray that the Almighty God will bring them permanent healing.
“We would like to appreciate all of you for being steadfast and committed to advancing the quality of life of the people of Petauke.
“Our deep gratitude goes, particularly, to President Hakainde Hichilema for his determination, and passion to bring succour and improve the standard of living of the people of Zambia. We share and connect with his vision and dreams.”
He added that the company would continue to return value to the communities where it does business, noting that Harvest Group was very deliberate about impacting lives.
The donated items were received by the Petauke District Hospital Clinical Officer in the presence of Senior Chief Kalindawalo of the Nsenga people, Chief Mumbi of the Nsenga people of Petauke, District Commissioner Martha Mulenga and Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Jay Banda, among other community members.
Ibemere also outlined some other interventions that the company had done in the area of breast and prostrate cancer management, chief among which was its partnership with Zambia Cancer Society on a two-month long awareness campaign worth over K250,000, and funding the kidney transplant of Master Nicholas Bwalya at the cost of $13,000.
Speaking at the same event, District Commissioner, Martha Mulenga, said, “Indeed, it is a wonderful gesture you have done to us. As a government, the New Dawn policies task us to provide quality health services to our people in the district. It is a great honour that you answered our Area Member of Parliament on behalf of the people of Petauke district.”
She appealed to the company to consider providing support to other health facilities in the district.
Geoffrey Mwale, Petauke District Clinical Officer, while acknowledging receipt of the mattresses and blankets, thanked Harvest Group for its support, adding that the medical facility needs more help.
“Harvest Group should not only end at donating the mattresses and blankets but also help the health facility with a proper and efficient water reticulation system which is also another challenge,” Mwale said.
Petauke Central Member of Parliament, Emmanuel Jay Banda, expressed deep appreciation for the gesture undertaken by Harvest Group of Companies Limited.
Banda said the donation of mattresses and blankets would go a long way in alleviating the many challenges the district has been facing in the health sector.
“When I was doing my campaign I promised the people of Petauke that though I don’t have a lot of money, they should, please, just send me to Lusaka to look for corporate partners to help us.
“We are grateful to Harvest Group for this gesture, as this donation will not only service Petauke but also the surrounding districts,” Banda said.
He thanked the companies Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, the Very Reverend Adaoha Ugo-Ngadi for her commitment to uplifting the welfare of vulnerable women and living up to her promises.
Representing the royalty at the event was Senior Chief Kalindawalo of the Nsenga people who called for unity between the office of the District Commission, Member of Parliament and the Mayor in order to deliver on government programmes.
Other members of Harvest Group who were in Petauke for the handover ceremonies of mattresses to Petauke District Hospital were Mr Maobughichi Ibeji, Mrs Adauwa Igwe and Mr Ugochukwu Nmerike.
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