A massive R1 105 000 donation of vital paediatric and neonatal equipment to Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust (THCT) has ensured the hospital’s ability to deliver the best possible care for its youngest and most vulnerable patients.

The addition of essential equipment was made possible through the South African Muslim Charitable Trust (SAMCT). SAMCT representative Faried Boltman said having the correct neonatal and paediatric equipment in place is essential to effectively impart life-sustaining support and monitoring for premature or critically ill newborns.

“The Tygerberg Hospital Children’s Trust strives to foster an environment of innovation, compassion and trust to secure a healthier future for every child it serves, and SAMCT was, therefore, privileged to assist in this quest by providing the necessary funding for three critical projects, aimed at appreciably improving paediatric care at the hospital,” Boltman added.

The hospital has the largest baby unit in the Western Cape, which provides care for the largest number of premature babies in South Africa, a statement issued by THCT reads.

Equipment

SAMCT’s substantial donation has provided for the acquisition of a gastro-intestinal videoscope, a specifically child-sized gastroscope that will enhance the diagnostic accuracy and surgical capabilities for paediatric patients, improving health outcomes and treatment success. As well as, specialised forceps and baskets for bronchoscopy procedures, crucial for performing foreign body-retrieval and lung biopsies safely, and for managing respiratory conditions in children.

In addition, the donation included several recliner chairs, providing comfortable seating for parents in wards, improving their well-being and further enabling better support for their ill children.

“Saving the lives of babies in hospitals is a critical global-health imperative that creates the foundation for societal well-being,” said Boltman. “Ensuring optimal care for vulnerable infants drastically reduces neonatal mortality, prevents long-term developmental complications and supports fragile families in their most critical moments. Accordingly, the SAMCT was pleased to contribute meaningfully towards improved infant health care at Tygerberg Hospital, given the profound medical, emotional and economic benefits such support affords.”

The SAMCT was created in 2008 the result of a partnership between Old Mutual Unit Trusts and Al Baraka Bank, for the creation, marketing and distribution of a suite of Shariah Funds. The organisation provides funding, services and other resources to improve the lives of the vulnerable, deprived and disadvantaged. It has successfully delivered sizeable assistance solutions throughout South Africa, irrespective of race or religion, and continues to work to support needy organisations in the fields of health care, social development, poverty alleviation and education.

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