The Bank of Zambia (BoZ) has donated industrial laundry equipment valued at K1.5 Million to the University Teaching Hospital (UTH) Adult Hospital to strengthen infection prevention and improve patient care.
The donation comprises two sheet ironers, two hydro extractors, three industrial pressing machines and two industrial digital scales.
Speaking during the official handover ceremony in Lusaka today, Ministry of Health Permanent Secretary of Donor Coordination, George Sinyangwe, said the donation demonstrated the important role of partnerships between public institutions in strengthening the country’s healthcare system.
Dr Sinyangwe noted that good health is both a contributor to national development and an outcome of development, adding that a country could not achieve meaningful development without a healthy population.
“Laundry services are essential in controlling the spread of infections and promoting patient safety in health facilities,” he said.
Dr Sinyangwe commended the bank for extending its corporate social responsibility efforts to the health sector and encouraged other public and private institutions to support similar initiatives.
He also urged UTH management to ensure that the equipment was properly installed, maintained and accounted for to maximise its benefits.
Speaking at the same event, Bank of Zambia Deputy Governor-Administration, Rekha Mhango, said a clean and well-maintained hospital environment is important in reducing healthcare-associated infections, supporting patient recovery and improving the working conditions of healthcare professionals.
Ms Mhango said the donation is part of the central bank’s corporate social responsibility initiatives aimed at supporting communities and improving people’s welfare.
She noted that good health is an important pillar of economic development because a healthy population strengthens human capital, improves productivity and reduces the financial burden on the government.
“We trust that this equipment will contribute significantly to improving laundry services at the hospital and support your continued efforts to provide quality healthcare in a clean, safe, and dignified environment for all patients,” she added.
And UTH Adult Hospital Senior Medical Superintendent, Charles Mbewe, said the equipment would improve laundry services and contribute to maintaining a clean and safe hospital environment.
Dr Mbewe said laundry services are an essential component of healthcare delivery because they help control the spread of infections and ensure that hospital textiles are properly cleaned and processed.
He thanked BoZ for the donation, describing it as an investment in patient safety, comfort and the overall quality of healthcare services.
Lusaka District Commissioner and Chairperson for UTH Adult Hospital Facelift Taskforce, Rosa Kayuni expressed gratitude to the Bank of Zambia for supporting the government’s efforts to improve healthcare delivery.
She said the K1.5 Million donation of laundry equipment is a significant contribution to the ongoing UTH facelift project and a demonstration of government’s commitment, under the leadership of President Hakainde Hichilema, to improving the country’s healthcare system.
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