MASVINGO — The Reformed Church in Zimbabwe-run Morgenster Hospital yesterday received a major boost after Standard Chartered Bank donated a state-of-the-art ophthalmic operating microscope for its eye care services.
By Tatenda Chitagu
The machine, which was imported from Australia and cost $20 000, came at a time when the mission hospital — renowned worldwide for its eye care services — was struggling to cope due to obsolete equipment.
The donation also coincided with World Site Day, which is commemorated internationally on October 10. Speaking at the handover ceremony, Standard Chattered Bank chief executive officer Ralph Watungwa said the donation was part of the bank’s “Seeing is Believing” (SIB) programme aimed at preventing and treating avoidable blindness in the country.
“Morgenster Hospital is an internationally recognised health institution with a reputation to be celebrated. And as one of the country’s oldest banking institutions, we decided to partner it in eye care services,” said Watungwa.
“The ophthalmoscope which we are handing over to the hospital is indeed testament to our commitment to the partnership with the Masvingo eye care programme. I am sure the machine will assist in reaching and helping the greater population of Zimbabwe who are in need of sight restoration.”
Keep Reading
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
The head of Morgenster Eye Care Unit, Dr Joseph Joseph, said the hospital was struggling with obsolete ophthalmic microscopes which made detection and treatment of eye diseases difficult.
He said the state-of-the art microscope would go a long way in alleviating their problems since it had a long life span.
“The machine resembles the latest technology in microscopes and has a long life span. We were having problems in fixing some of the microscopes that we have because spares are expensive and hard to come buy,” he said.
Dr Munyaradzi Chirasha, who stood in for the provincial medical director in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Robert Mudyiradima, said: “The donation will no doubt improve ophthalmic services in the country and take the service to a higher level,” he said.
Reformed Church in Zimbabwe moderator Reverend Rangarirai Rutoro applauded the gesture, saying it was a “donation of sight and life”.