By: Golden Kang'oma

Salima, August 12, Mana: To create a conducive environment for patients, NBS Bank on Monday donated 35 mattresses and a projector totaling MK5.5 million to Salima District hospital.

Speaking during the donation, NBS Bank Head of Retail Banking Cluster responsible for Central and Northern Region, Dr. Justin Lufajiri Chikaonda said the donation is part of the bank's corporate social responsibility and pledged that the bank will continue supporting the hospital through different initiatives.

"As you are aware the people being served here, the patients, are our customers. So after receiving a plea from the District Commissioner (DC) that there are some gaps, we decided to at least support and intervene shortening the gap of mattresses,” he said.

He added, "That is why we thought it is important to respond to the call and support the community. It may not be enough, but we think it will make a difference.''

Speaking after receiving the donation, DC for Salima James Mwenda commended the bank for the timely donation pointing out that it will go a long way in helping communities, especially in the health sector.

"You see, we have a lot of patients that are admitted here at the hospital but they lack proper bedding. So these 35 mattresses will go a long way in solving that particular problem.

"But we have also requested our colleagues from NBS Bank to consider adopting one of the wards so that they should be assisting that particular place, and they have taken the request and assured us that they will go back and discuss the request with management, for a way forward," said Mwenda.

Salima District Director of Health and Social Services, Dr. Eugene Katenga Kaunda said the hospital has 300 beds only, with a lot of patients sleeping on beds without mattresses and the gesture from NBS will help to improve the condition.

"The donation is a great relief to the district hospital and this will help to improve cleanliness and reduce some diseases," said Kaunda.

Taking his turn, Senior Chief Kalonga hailed NBS Bank for the donation and said if different stakeholders come together to help the district hospital in different areas, some of the challenges the hospital is facing can be reduced.