BTC handed over the revamped Jubilee Psychiatric Unit to Nyangabgwe Hospital in Francistown. The project was undertaken through the BTC Employee Social Responsibility Movement (BTC-ESR) based in the Northern region. The newly renovated Jubilee Psychiatric Ward costed a total amount of P170,000 (one hundred and seventy thousand pula), and will enhance the environment as well as the quality of care for both patients and staff members.
Officiating the donation handover event, the Minister of Health, Honourable Dr Stephen Modise, thanked BTC for the refurbishment of Jubilee Psychiatric Unit. βThis unit stands as a symbol of the collective effort and dedication displayed by the BTC talented staff members, who have selflessly invested their time and passion to enhance the welfare of our communityβ, he stated. He further highlighted that the Jubilee Psychiatric Unit features dedicated male and female wards, each designed to accommodate ten patients.
Furthermore, the Minister stated that the Ministry of Health is currently grappling with a growing number of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). βMental health conditions are some of the five main NCDs that affect a huge number of our people. The others are cancers, heart diseases, diabetes and hypertensionβ he said. He added that it is βa profound necessity to create a secure environment for healing, one that offers both sanctuary and safetyβ. Dr Modise also thanked the staff and management of Nyangabgwe Hospital. βYour leadership, determination, and dedication to improving mental health services within the community have not gone unnoticedβ, he said.
For her part, the BTC Acting Chief Executive Officer, Ms Boitumelo Paya highlighted βthat healthcare sector is a significant part of our communitiesβ adding that β we believe it is our collective responsibility to support these institutions and individuals who work tirelessly to provide care, comfort, and hope to those in need of medical attentionβ she said. Ms Paya stated that the scope of the refurbishment of Jubilee Psychiatric Unit covers but is not limited to; replacement and painting of the ceiling, external and internal painting works, replacement of broken windowpanes, removal and replacement of floor and wall tiles, plumbing works in all ward bathrooms, partitioning of bathrooms and installation of rainwater gutters and down pipe etc.
Ms Paya revealed that the donation is part of ongoing works by identified through the BTC Employee Social Responsibility Movement (BTC-ESR) based in the North region, a movement led by BTC staff members. βThrough this movement, we identified a need here at Nyangabgwe Hospital -Jubilee Psychiatric Ward and we immediately sprang into action to lend a hand in uplifting this facilityβ, she explained.
