First Lady receives state-of-the-art ICU mobile ambulance
Blessings Chidakwa
HEALTH Ambassador First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa yesterday took delivery of a fully-equipped state-of-the-art intensive care unit (ICU) mobile ambulance for the provision of emergency medical care during transportation to hospitals and between hospitals in a development that will give vulnerable members of society access to improved health facilities.
Received from Discovery Ambulance Services the ICU ambulance is equipped with a defibrillator for jump-starting the heart when someone is experiencing cardiac arrest and a self-loading stretcher.
Other components include maternity stuff, dressing, spine board and scoop, oxygen adjustments, clinical waste, oxygen cylinders, drip stand and IV fluids backup, among others.
The gesture is in recognition of the philanthropic work that Dr Mnangagwa does.
The ambulance is the latest addition to an ultra-modern mobile hospital and mobile clinic she uses during her medical outreach programmes countrywide, including in hard-to-reach areas.
The mother of the nation, who often says her heart wish was to become a nurse, is a holder of an Advanced Industrial First Aid Certificate from the Zimbabwe Red Cross Society and usually assists medical personnel with temperature checks, blood pressure and weight checks during her outreach programmes.
Through her Angel of Hope Foundation, Amai Mnangagwa also facilitated scholarships for health workers. She also often mobilises resources for use in clinics and hospitals countrywide.
The latest donation comes at a time when the country is witnessing a surge in road traffic accidents that have claimed lives and left others with varying degrees of injuries.
Barely a day passes without a fatality being recorded.
In these circumstances, the ambulance comes in handy.
Presenting the gift to the First Lady, Discovery Ambulance Services Chief Executive Officer Mr David Munowenyu said the gesture was in recognition of the philanthropic work she undertakes.
“We are charmed by the First Lady’s tireless efforts in enhancing the country’s health care facilities. She has done a lot of great work across the country. When we come in as Discovery, we are coming as a helping hand to our mother as youth of Zimbabwe who also appreciates what the Second Republic has done and opened up businesses for us as young people,” he said.
Mr Munowenyu said they have a fleet of what they call the disaster management buses that also work hand-in-hand with the Angel of Hope Foundation during outreach programmes.
“We are looking forward to working with our mother and Ministries of Health and Transport so that we can also have our ambulances at every tollgate across the country because of high accidents happening. Positioning ambulances at tollgates makes it efficient in responding to accidents,” he said.
Discovery Ambulance Services Practitioner in Charge Mr Elliot Chivinge said the ambulance meets all global standards.
“These are ICU standards configured to world-class standards. We can safely say this is a moving ICU. It has everything that one can find in an ICU.
“It has a self-loading stretcher, defibrillators, patient monitors to monitor blood pressure, heart rate, electrocardiogram (ECG), infusion pumps and syringe pumps,” he said.
Mr Chivinge added: “We can safely say we have handed over an ICU unit that will help with the initiative to have everyone access affordable health in the country.”
Dr Mnangagwa humbly accepted the ICU mobile ambulance saying it will come in handy in her work.
“It is with immense gratitude and joy that I receive this generous donation of an ambulance equipped with an ICU unit. This remarkable gift is not just a vehicle, it is a lifeline that will bring hope and healing to countless individuals in our communities,” she said.
“As the ambassador of health and childcare, I wish that every citizen has access to the medical care they need, including in emergencies. This state-of-the-art ambulance will enable us to provide critical care during emergencies significantly improving the chances of survival and recovery for patients in dire situations.”
The First Lady, who is also the patron of Angel of Hope Foundation, said this was a testament to the collective dedication to enhancing healthcare services and saving lives.
Dr Mnangagwa said the ambulance will certainly boost Zimbabwe’s healthcare services and support emergency services.
“This donation comes at a crucial time as we approach the festive season, a period of joy and celebration. However, it is also a time when we must exercise heightened caution on our roads.
“I urge all drivers to practice safe driving habits, respect and adhere to road rules, and remember that speed thrills but kills. Let us all commit to making this festive season a safe and joyous one for everyone, but being alive,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also recognised the significant impact this donation would have on Zimbabwe’s healthcare system, particularly in enhancing emergency medical services.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank you vanangu for supporting the work that I passionately carry out nationwide. To say I am touched by your generosity is an understatement.
“Thank you for being your brother and sister’s keeper and for remembering those who need assistance. When I formed the Angel of Hope Foundation in 2018, it was with the will to help those in need and it is always refreshing to meet friends along the way who share the same heart,” she said.
“I pledge to use this ambulance to assist those in need, ensuring that it serves its purpose of saving lives and providing critical care.
“Together, we can make a significant difference in the health and well-being of our community.”
Dr Mnangagwa’s concern for the well-being of the people has seen her going around the country’s 10 provinces providing healthcare services and spearheading initiatives including cancer screening.
An advocate for quality health services to all citizens, Dr Mnangagwa frequently uses her state-of-the-art mobile hospital and clinic to unlock quality medical services for everyone, especially those in remote areas. – Herald