Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) has handed over medical equipment worth about M400,000 to Loretto Health Centre at Qoaling to strengthen services within its maternity ward.
The ceremony on Tuesday this week also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Joseph’s Hospital, another Catholic Church-run institution, to support public health services through medical interns and residency doctors supported by the Higherlife Foundation.
The donated equipment included two delivery beds, an ultrasound scanner, two vital signs monitors, an oxygen concentrator, nebuliser, emergency stretcher, portable examination couch, drug trolley and four bedside screens.
Speaking at the handover event, ETL Chief Executive Officer, Dennis Plaatjies, said the contribution reflected the company’s commitment to the wellbeing of the communities it serves.
“Behind every piece of equipment is a person who needs care and a healthcare professional working to provide it. Our contribution as Econet is intended to support both,” Plaatjies said.
He noted that they wanted to help create an environment where mothers and newborns receive the care they need, and where healthcare teams have essential resources to carry out their work.
The partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospital complemented the donation by supporting the people responsible for delivering healthcare, he indicated.
“Equipment and medical expertise must work together. Through this partnership and the support of Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, we are investing in a shared ambition: stronger health services for Basotho” Plaatjies added.
Sister Manaleli Moremoholo, the Nurse in Charge at Loretto Health Centre, welcomed the equipment and its anticipated contribution to patient care.
She highlighted that the ward faces significant challenges, particularly shortage of essential medical equipment and human resource, affecting their capacity to provide comprehensive maternal services.
Moremoholo said they attend to a large population estimated at 47 000 of which 1000 is expected pregnancies, including patients from outside areas. This growing demand places considerable pressure on available resources and healthcare and personnel. She stated that having the right equipment supports them in assessing and monitoring patients, providing maternity care and responding to their needs.
“We are grateful to Econet Telecom Lesotho for this contribution that recognises the work we do and the community we serve,” she pointed out.
Attorney Tiisetso Sello-Mafatle, representing the Roman Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Maseru, said the occasion demonstrated the value of institutions working together to serve communities.
“The Church’s service in healthcare is rooted in compassion and respect for human dignity. We welcome partnerships that help our health facilities fulfil that mission. Econet Telecom Lesotho’s contribution and agreement demonstrate what we can achieve when institutions bring their resources and commitment together in service of others,” she noted.
Dr Llang Maama, Director-General at the Ministry of Health, underscored the importance of coordinated investment in healthcare equipment and personnel.
“Strengthening health services requires attention to both essential equipment and the professionals who use it. Partnerships that support these priorities can make a valuable contribution to patient care. We welcome this commitment by Econet Telecom Lesotho and encourage continued collaboration aligned with the healthcare needs of Basotho,” she said.
The ceremony, which began with Holy Mass, brought together partners in support of improved healthcare delivery.
