Eastern Cape Premier, Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, on Friday took delivery of a 100-bed hospital extending modular unit, in what could best be described as shot-in-the-arm of local efforts in the on-going fight against the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
The donation was made by Siemens and its subsidiaries Siemens Healthineers and Siemens Energy, the German Government and the Solidarity Fund to Cecilia Makiwane Hospital made in Mdantsane near East London.
Inside the hospital bed-space extending modular solution is also equipment from Siemens Healthineers medical technology and powered with a solar modular configuration to enable a decentralized and clean power supply.
The modular extension will help alleviate pressure in the public health-care system by providing additional and critical bed spaces required in the treatment of COVID-19 hospitalisation and high-care cases expected, amid a resurging COVID-19 and expectant third wave of infections.
Premier Mabuyane lauded the bilateral relations between the Republic of South Africa and the Federal Republic of Germany, saying the addition to the provincial public health care arsenal would not only help mitigate the impact of the pandemic, which had had a negative impact on the local economy among other areas of life, but that it would also improve access to healthcare, even beyond the pandemic.
Siemens, German govt & Solidarity Fund donate hospital extending modular unit to East London
Joining the ribbon-cutting ceremony via video message, Germany’s Federal Minister for Economic Cooperation and Development, Dr. Gerd Müller, announced that the country was also working with South Africa to develop its own home-grown capacity to manufacture vaccines locally, adding, “jointly with Siemens, we are sending a strong signal today that our partner countries can rely on us in these difficult times. Because we know: 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”.
The President and CEO of Siemens AG, Roland Busch, said, “As we open this new facility, we are reminded of the fact that for healthy economies, we need healthy societies. 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. I am proud to support Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in their efforts to combat the pandemic and provide high-quality healthcare for years to come”.
The CEO of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa, Sabine Dall’Omo, who was also in attendance, said, “South Africa’s healthcare system, much like other countries was not prepared for the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and has taken strain.
“Mobilizing resources has been crucial in helping to curb the disease and to reduce the burden on the sector. With our donation we’re assisting Cecilia Makiwane Hospital to provide effective healthcare to the community of Mdantsane. This reflects our commitment to uplifting the country’s societies.”
The construction of the high-tech hospital modular unit, which took less than 100 days to construct, was made also made possible by collaborating, in part, with the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammeis funding the project with up to R 63 million.
The charitable association Siemens Caring Hands has contributed donations of R 9 million raised from Siemens employees, effectively doubling the in-kind contributions made by Siemens and Siemens Healthineers. Africa´s leading pharmaceutical company, Aspen Pharmaceuticals, provided an additional R4 million for the project.
The South African Solidarity Fund has been instrumental in efficiently managing the donations while the Eastern Cape Department of Health will ensure the professional operation of the unit by deploying dedicated staff and providing medical supplies.
“The completion of the Cecilia Makiwane Modular Hospital Solution is particularly timely. With winter upon us, and the emerging possibility of a third wave, it is vital to keep finding ways to support our provincial health systems.
“This modular solution is not only practical and impactful, it represents the kind of agile, purpose-led solutions that are needed to combat an epidemic that is evolving before our eyes,” said Solidarity Fund CEO, Ms. Tandi Nzimande.
The modular hospital solution is equipped with Siemens Healthineers medical technology solutions, which includes Acuson P500 ultrasound units, Mobilett Elara Max X-Ray machines and blood gas machines.
This range of imaging equipment is uniquely designed for maximum mobility and is indispensable in detecting Covid-19 infections.
The solution 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.
Siemens Energy has provided power to the new modular unit with a solar modular configuration with battery storage by SustainSolar, using the Siemens Sicam microgrid controller to enable a decentralized and clean power supply 24/7, 365 days.