By Kaya 959 News
Two weeks ago, a fire gutted part of the Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and now the Smile Foundation is urging the public to help support the hospital’s rebuilding plans.
Smile Foundation has launched a fundraising campaign CMJAH following the devastation left behind from the recent fire.
“We’re calling on all those who are able to assist to do so with great urgency. All money donated will go to patient support within the hospital and will be earmarked as to what the hospital requires, with direction from the hospital management and the surgeons,” Co-founder and Executive
Chairman at Smile Foundation, Marc Lubner said.
“CMJAH is birthplace of our organisation which was started by Madiba at the hospital in 2000. We have a historical and emotive connection with this Tertiary Hospital. The aftermath of the fire is upsetting for all of us and we are all doing as much as we can to support in any way,” Lubner added.
READ: Union not surprised by Charlotte Maxeke Hospital fire
Charlotte Maxeke hospital epicenter of wellness support
CMJAH is also the epicenter of wellness and health support in Gauteng and many thousands of lives are reliant on their medical care.
Lubner said Smile Foundation has had a 20-year collaboration with Charlotte Maxeke Johannesburg Academic Hospital and the Foundation wholeheartedly supports the hospital management as they navigate through this incredibly challenging time.
“We have to accept that if we want to effect real change we have to work together, not just in times of crises but at all times. We value our longstanding partnership with CMJAH. Partnerships exist at all times, through good times and tough times,” Lubner said.
Eqipment needed
Smile Foundation will be purchasing medical equipment and other items that CMJAH are in dire need of. The type of equipment required is critical for the survival of patients.
“We will deal directly with suppliers and receive any goods given in kind to our NGO for CMJAH. We call on the public to support this initiative. Funds received for this initiative will be utilised to support patient care within the hospital,” he said.
Donations can be made via the Smile Foundation’s website.
On Friday, April 16, fire broke out at the hospital’s special dispensary stores but according to City of Joburg EMS, the fire was extinguished.
Just before midnight on the same day, the fire had reignited.
Various media houses reported the paramedics and other first responders had to evacuate patients and medical staff. Parts of the hospital’s third floor had caved in.
R40m worth of PPE destroyed
Patients are expected to be transferred back to the hospital by next week.
According to Health Minister Dr Zweli Mkhize, an estimated R40 million worth of Personal Protective Equipment or PEE and other essentials were burnt in the fire.
The DA has however, called for alternative arrangements to be made for cancer patients. The party’s Shadow Minister for Health, Jack Bloom, said the radiation oncology department is in the damaged section and will probably not re-open for patients for a number of months.
“Lives will be put at risk if alternative arrangements are not made urgently for hundreds of CMJH cancer patients,” he said.
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