GEITA GOLD MINING LIMITED AND RAFIKI SURGICAL MISSION DONATE AN AMBULANCE TO BUKOLI HEALTH CENTRE IN GEITA DISTRICT

Executive Director for Geita District Council, Ali Kidwaka (left) receives the ambulance registration card from GGML’s Vice President, Simon Shayo.

GGML's Vice President for Sustainability, Simon Shayo (right) speaking to Bukoli Health Centre staf and residents during handover ceremony. Seated beside him is the Geita District Council Executive Director, Ali Kidwaka and the Geita District Medical Officer, Deo Kisaka.

Geita Gold Mining Limited (GGML) and Rafiki Surgical Mission from Australia have jointly donated an ambulance worth TZS 32 million to Bukoli Health Centre in Geita District. The ambulance will serve patients residing in close proximity to Bukoli Ward and the rest of Geita region.

Speaking during the handover ceremony at Bukoli village in Geita, the GGML Vice President – Sustainability, Simon Shayo highlighted that the ambulance donation was timely and would alleviate transportation challenges for critically ill patients.

“The Geita District Council requested an ambulance from GGML to help the Bukoli community who had limited means to transport patients with medical referrals to Geita Referral Hospital which is approximately 35 kilometres from Bukoli. Partnering with Rafiki Surgical Mission in response to that request came naturally as we have proved over the years our dual commitment to support health initiatives in Geita,” said Shayo.

For almost 20 years, besides donating medical equipment Geita Gold Mining Limited in collaboration with Rafiki Surgical Mission have extended medical care to children and adults in the region who suffer from unrepaired cleft lip and palate by providing free surgical treatment.

Shayo further explained that GGML had already supported Bukoli Health Centre in 2004 with the construction of an Outpatient Department building and a residence house for health practitioners. The Company also funded several health projects including the renovation of the Geita Referral Hospital as well as the construction of new dispensaries in Nyamalembo, Nyakahongola, Kasota and Kakubiro in Geita District. All these projects combined costed about TZS 1.8 billion.

The District Executive Director for Geita District Council, Ali Kidwaka on behalf of the Government, acknowledged GGML’s support in curbing health challenges in Geita region and called upon other partners in Geita District Council to work with the Government in a similar manner. In 2019, GGML donated medical equipment to Katoro na Bukoli healthcare facilities worth TZS 142 million.