SteelRwa Industries Ltd, a steel manufacturing firm based in Rwamagana district, on September 8, donated equipment, which includes six wheelchairs and six hospital beds, to Rwamagana Hospital.
The charitable gesture is part of the company's commitment to corporate social responsibility, a practice they engage in annually.
Speaking during the handover ceremony, Sandeep Phadnis, the General Manager of SteelRwa highlighted that their stakeholders are important, and the hospital is one of them, considering its role in caring for the people of Rwamagana.
"With all that in mind, we should contribute something to the hospital to help them serve the local nationals better," he said.
Phadnis pointed out that SteelRwa employs over 600 staff, with more than 500 of them being Rwandans. He emphasised the company's commitment to their well-being, highlighting that whenever any medical issues arise, both Rwandans and foreigners are taken to Rwamagana Hospital for checkups.
Additionally, SteelRwa engages in various philanthropic activities annually. Phadnis said they offer vital support in the areas of education, healthcare, environmental protection, and the overall welfare of communities.
Their contributions include the provision of iron sheets and access to "Mutuel de Sante" health insurance for disadvantaged individuals in the Rwamagana District. Additionally, SteelRwa participated in the Girinka programme, supplying cows to beneficiaries in the Munyiginya Sector. They have also contributed sewing machines to aid the Association of Genocide Widows (AVEGA) and have played an essential role in supporting the school feeding program within the Munyiginya Sector of the Rwamagana district.
Phadnis further highlighted the company's collaboration with Rwanda Environment Management Authority (REMA) at the national level, actively participating in their programs and initiatives.
Dr. Placide Nshizirungu, the Director General of Rwamagana Hospital, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to SteelRwa for their generous equipment donation, declaring that it will significantly enhance their ability to accommodate a higher number of patients and also replace aging equipment.
He highlighted the importance of the wheelchairs, highlighting their crucial role in assisting patients, particularly those who have suffered from road accidents, including cyclists.
"This donation represents a substantial and much-needed support to our hospital,” said Nshizirungu.
Previously, Rwamagana Hospital could accommodate up to 239 patients with the existing number of beds. With the addition of six new beds, the hospital can now extend the capacity.
Nhsizirungu noted that th overall value of the support amounts to Rwf 6,798,000.
Dr. Nshizirungu appealed to the users to care for these donated items responsibly, ensuring they remain in good condition to continue benefiting numerous people in need.
Radjab Mbonyumuvunyi, the Mayor of Rwamagana District, said that Rwamagana Hospital is experiencing rapid growth and has recently become a Provincial and Teaching Hospital, achieving a commendable standard of healthcare services.
Consequently, there is a need for more modern medical equipment to further enhance the quality of healthcare provided, a need SteelRwa contributed to.
Mbonyumuvunyi also noted that SteelRwa consistently supports the district through various initiatives. These include donating cows, covering medical insurance expenses for those in need, and assisting in the construction of homes for vulnerable individuals by supplying essential materials such as iron sheets, among other commendable contributions.
SteelRwa Industries Ltd is committed to bettering the lives of the communities in which they operate. The company says they have built sustainable livelihoods by recruiting, training and empowering locals to take up leadership roles in our various units.