ETL donates medical equipment to Loretto Health Centre in Lesotho

Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) has made a significant donation of medical equipment worth at least M400 000 to the maternity ward at Loretto Health Centre in Qoaling. The equipment, which includes delivery beds, ultrasound scanners, vital signs monitors, and respiratory machines, aims to improve healthcare delivery, particularly maternal services. This donation was made possible through ETL's partnership with its sister company Sasai Econet Financial Services and its charitable arm Higherlife Foundation.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, ETL Chief Executive Officer Dennis Plaatjies said the donation was a reflection of the company's care for the community and its commitment to improving healthcare services. He emphasized that healthcare facilities play a crucial role in giving expectant mothers confidence and hope. The donation, he said, would help strengthen maternity services and improve care for both mothers and their babies.

The Loretto Health Centre serves an estimated population of 47 000 people, with approximately 1 000 expected pregnancies, including patients from outside its catchment area. However, the facility faces significant challenges, particularly shortages of essential medical equipment and human resources in its maternity ward. Manaleli Moremoholo, speaking on behalf of Loretto Health Centre, expressed gratitude to ETL for its generous contribution and recognized the important role that healthcare facilities play in improving the health and wellbeing of the community.

Moremoholo also appealed to the Ministry of Health to address staffing shortages, particularly the need for registered nurse-midwives, saying the lack of personnel was limiting the facility's capacity to provide comprehensive maternal healthcare. She emphasized that having a well-functioning maternity ward would reduce the burden on patients at nearby health facilities and hospitals, improving the healthcare system in Lesotho.

In addition to the donation, ETL is signing a working agreement with St Joseph Hospital in Rome, which will create opportunities for Basotho medical students studying abroad to gain practical experience. The partnership will benefit medical students sponsored by Higherlife Foundation through the Moshoeshoe I Scholarship Programme. Currently, 19 students are completing the scholarship programme, studying medicine in Zimbabwe, Zambia, and South Africa.

Ministry of Health Director of Health Services, Dr Llang Maama, expressed gratitude to Econet for its support and emphasized that the government is committed to strengthening healthcare facilities through increased investment in human resources and building the capacity of healthcare personnel. The partnership between ETL and Loretto Health Centre is seen as a significant step towards building a healthier community and stronger healthcare system in Lesotho.

The donation of medical equipment and the partnership with St Joseph Hospital demonstrate ETL's commitment to service, talent development, and supporting the needs of the community. The company hopes that the donated equipment will be used to improve healthcare delivery and that the partnership will provide valuable experience for Basotho medical students.

Key points

• Econet Telecom Lesotho donates M400 000 worth of medical equipment to Loretto Health Centre's maternity ward.
• The donation aims to improve healthcare delivery, particularly maternal services, and strengthen maternity services at the facility.
• ETL partners with St Joseph Hospital in Rome to provide practical experience for Basotho medical students studying abroad.