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Press Release14 May 2021Siemens AGMunich
Siemens, the German Government and the Solidarity Fund hand over a 100-bed modular hospital solution
"Jointly with Siemens, we are sending a strong signal
today that our partner countries can rely on us in these difficult times. Because
we know: We will only defeat COVID-19 by working together globally or not at
all. That is why we are working with South Africa to help it establish its own
vaccine production,” said Dr. Gerd Müller, German Federal Minister for Economic
Cooperation and Development.
“As we open this new facility, we are reminded of the fact
that for healthy economies, we need healthy societies. Governments and
companies must stand together in the fight against COVID-19. This project shows
how through collaboration and technology, we can tackle big challenges and
transform societies. I am proud to support the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital in
their efforts to combat the pandemic and provide high-quality healthcare for
years to come,” said Roland Busch, President and CEO of Siemens AG.
Sabine Dall’Omo, CEO of Siemens Southern and Eastern Africa
says, “South Africa’s healthcare system, much like other countries was not
prepared for the effects of the coronavirus pandemic and has taken strain.
Mobilizing resources has been crucial in helping to curb the disease and to
reduce the burden on the sector. With our donation we’re assisting the Cecilia
Makiwane Hospital to provide effective healthcare to the community of
Mdantsane. This reflects our commitment to uplifting the country’s societies.”
The speedy construction of the hospital module in less than
100 days has been made possible by the outstanding commitment and collaboration
of all project partners. The German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation
and Development – through Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale
Zusammenarbeit GmbH (GIZ) – is funding the project with up to R 63 million. The
charitable association Siemens Caring Hands has contributed donations of R 9
million raised from Siemens employees, effectively doubling the in-kind
contributions made by Siemens and Siemens Healthineers. Africa´s leading
pharmaceutical company Aspen Pharmaceuticals has provided an additional R 4
million for the project. The South African Solidarity Fund has been
instrumental in efficiently managing the donations while the Eastern Cape
Department of Health is ensuring the professional operation of the unit by
deploying dedicated staff and providing medical supplies.
“The completion of the Cecilia Makiwane Modular Hospital Solution is particularly timely. With winter upon us, and the emerging possibility of a third wave, it is vital to keep finding ways to support our provincial health systems. This modular solution is not only practical and impactful, it represents the kind of agile, purpose-led solutions that are needed to combat an epidemic that is evolving before our eyes.” Tandi Nzimande, CEO of the Solidarity Fund.
The modular hospital solution will be equipped
with Siemens Healthineers medical technology which includes Acuson P500
ultrasound units, Mobilett Elara Max X-Ray machines
and blood gas machines. This range of imaging equipment is uniquely
designed for maximum
mobility and is indispensable in detecting Covid-19 infections
The solution also includes
Siemens’ reliable fire detection range as well as modern UV disinfection
equipment from Violet Defense that will support in controlling contaminations
in high contact areas of the modular hospital; furthermore, Siemens is powering
the new expansion with a solar modular configuration with battery storage by
SustainSolar, using the Siemens Sicam microgrid controller to enable a
decentralized and clean power supply 24/7, 365 days.
“Siemens
Caring Hands has taken on an enormous challenge. With the donations from
Siemens and its employees, Siemens Caring Hands wants to assist in mitigating
the terrible consequences of the pandemic. I am grateful that we, together with
the German government and GIZ, can now make a substantial contribution to South
Africa as well. This comprehensive solidarity is part of the Siemens DNA”, said
Stephan Frucht, Board member of Siemens Caring Hands e.V.
Communities
like Mdantsane are not adequately prepared to deal with the major health
effects posed by the pandemic and require as much assistance as possible to
manage its outcomes.
“This
partnership in the development of the Cecilia Makiwane Modular Hospital
Solution, represents Aspens local commitment to East London and our
contribution towards the sustainability of communities in which we operate. We
further believe that this project will ensure accessibility to healthcare especially
as our country continues to deal with the Covid-19 pandemic,” Stavros Nicolaou,
Senior Executive for Strategic Trade Development, Aspen Pharmacare.
“This development will certainly address some of the key
challenges we face as a health institution, located in the biggest township in
East London. The building of the Modular hospital will ease the pressure on the
high volume of patients as well as create an efficient medical-service
facility. We are extremely grateful to the stakeholders involved in this
remarkable initiative” says Sicelo Msi, CEO of the Cecilia Makiwane Hospital.
For this press release
Siemens AG (Berlin and Munich) is a global technology powerhouse that has stood for engineering excellence, innovation, quality, reliability, and internationality for more than 170 years. Active around the world, the company focuses on intelligent infrastructure for buildings and distributed energy systems and on automation and digitalization in the process and manufacturing industries. Siemens brings together the digital and physical worlds to benefit customers and society. Through Mobility, a leading supplier of intelligent mobility solutions for rail and road transport, Siemens is helping to shape the world market for passenger and freight services. Via its majority stake in the publicly listed company Siemens Healthineers, Siemens is also a world-leading supplier of medical technology and digital health services. In addition, Siemens holds a minority stake in Siemens Energy, a global leader in the transmission and generation of electrical power that has been listed on the stock exchange since September 28, 2020.
In fiscal 2020, which ended on September 30, 2020, the Siemens Group generated revenue of €57.1 billion and net income of €4.2 billion. As of September 30, 2020, the company had around 293,000 employees worldwide. Further information is available on the Internet at www.siemens.com.
Contact
Boitumelo Masike
Siemens AG
300 Janadel Avenue
Halfway Gardens, Halfway House
Midrand, 1685
Halfway Gardens, Halfway House
Midrand, 1685
+27 (79) 739 1062
Althea Borman
300 Janadel Avenue, Midrand, Halfway house, Halfway Gardens, 1685
+27 71360 8873