Plumtree District Hospital receives donation of 200 blankets
By Sihlobo Bulala
Plumtree District Hospital, on the 18th of July 2025, received a donation of 200 blankets from Old Mutual Zimbabwe through its national winter warmer campaign.
The District Health Services Administrator, Wellington Mutematsaka, standing in for the District Medical Officer expressed his gratitude towards the donation, highlighting that it will go a long way in benefiting patients and reducing medical errors perpetuated by lack of administrative resources.
“Failure to provide safety to a patient in health administration, we call it a medical error. But now Old Mutual is coming in to reduce the possibility of medical errors under administration, to cover the gap and close the error,” he said.
Lesley Chibharo, local government representative standing in for the District Development Coordinator, appreciated the donation to the district hospital, sharing that it is encouraging to see the private sector play an active role in supporting public institutions. He welcomed the partnership and hoped that it will be a continued collaboration.
“This act of generosity goes a long way in complementing government efforts and improving patient welfare and promoting dignity. This gesture by Old Mutual is more than just corporate social responsibility, it is an investment in community health and human dignity,” he said.
Old Mutual Operations Manager Gladys Bugalo highlighted that apart from donating the blankets for the safety of parents, the visits to the hospitals also enhanced their understanding of challenges faced in hospitals.
“Our visits to various institutions have had a meaningful impact on us as Old Mutual family. This experience has gone beyond making blanket donations to connecting and gaining a deeper understanding of the unique needs of each institution that we have visited,” she said.
The hospital staff expressed gratitude for being identified and chosen for the donation, and more so, for the participatory nature of the drive that saw the hospital being nominated for the donations by ordinary Zimbabweans.
In preparation for the campaign, Old Mutual Zimbabwe invited employees and fellow Zimbabweans to nominate institutions they believed were in need of donations, which resulted to PDH being nominated as a beneficiary.
“This is more than just a donation drive. It is a reflection of care, community, and unity because it is grounded in the voices of our stakeholders,” said Bugalo.
The national campaign has so far reached areas like Harare, Masvingo, Bulawayo, Gwanda, and Plumtree.
