Debmarine Namibia donates medical equipment to Karasburg hospital

Debmarine Namibia believes that a healthy nation is key to a wealthy and productive nation.

Through their engagement with Dr Dawid Tshisumpa, Debmarine learned that the Karasburg District Hospital lacked critical medical equipment.

The following equipment, worth just over N$1 million, was donated:

Antenatal foetal heart monitor; ultrasound machine; phototherapy monitor for premature babies; vital signs monitors; theatre lights; curtains for the antenatal ward and general renovation work in the maternity ward.

The ministry said they appreciate the ongoing generosity and support to Namibia provided through Debmarine’s Social Investment Fund.

Health minister Dr Kalumbi Shangula said that at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, Debmarine Namibia partnered with the ministry for the development and roll-out of national information campaigns via various platforms under the theme of ‘Namibian Health Heroes’.

"I wish to use this opportunity to express my sincere appreciation to the frontline workers, the doctors, nurses and all other health workers who continue to safely give of themselves in order to serve others," Shangula said at the handover.

Debmarine Namibia's chief executive officer, Otto Shikongo, said that this is life-saving medical equipment that is vital in the clinical management of conditions presented in pregnant women and offers key interventions that can prevent, detect and treat risk factors for both mother and child.

Before the donation, the maternity ward had no proper vital sign monitors and the phototherapy machine was out of order, which resulted in patients being transported 200 km to Keetmanshoop.

"We must all tell the positive story of the good the diamonds do to Namibia. Let us not relegate our responsibility to someone else, we ourselves must tell a story. I am confident that this equipment will be used and the health services for our people in this district and the region will be improved as a result," Shikongo said.