Anglo American Platinum donated a newly equipped 10-bed ICU to Gweru Provincial Hospital near its Unki Mine in Zimbabwe as part of its industry-leading efforts to limit the impact of Covid-19 at the workplace and in host communities.
The donation includes ventilators, ICU beds, oxygen equipment and installation, personal protective equipment, multi-parameter monitors and other medical equipment. Unki has previously constructed and equipped a casualty ward at Gweru Provincial Hospital and refurbished the laundry room and children’s ward.
The establishment of the ICU forms part of Unki’s USD2 million investment to date in Covid-19 measures. The mine’s PCR testing laboratory, which was recently licensed to do Covid-19 tests, is used to test samples from employees, contractors and the Shurugwi District Hospital. In addition, Unki has provided food support to vulnerable groups and drilled and equipped 17 boreholes to improve access to water in the Shurugwi district.
Speaking at the handover ceremony, Unki Chairperson James Maposa said: “In addition to the health impact of Covid-19, the virus has had a devastating economic impact on countries around the world, and Zimbabwe is no exception. I believe the mining industry will have a crucial role to play in our economic recovery efforts. In Unki, we have one of the world’s best-run PGM mines, and we will continue to play our part in supporting our employees, contractors and the broader economy.”