Global technology giant, Siemens, has developed a multi-phased plan to help mitigate the impacts of the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) in Egypt, and increase access to healthcare across the country.
The company will do so by providing medical facilities, equipment, and supplies, in addition to the donation of Siemens mobile X-ray and ultrasound devices to Egypt’s Ministry of Health.
Siemens has also donated a fully-equipped intensive care unit with a vitally needed ventilator to Ahl Masr Foundation. The company is also establishing a smart healthcare clinic in Shoubra El Kheima to improve access to primary healthcare services in the Greater Cairo area, which will also help with the coronavirus diagnoses.
Siemens medical devices, including two compact and powerful ACUSON P500™ portable ultrasound units and one Polymobil Plus X-ray machine, have been donated as part of the company’s plan. These devices have helped the Ministry of Health accurately diagnose cases, and provide support for emergency and critical care procedures.
The three units are in use at the Salloum Central Hospital in Matrouh governorate, Qaha Central Hospital in Qaliubiya governorate, and Kom Hamada General Hospital in Beheira governorate.
“This is a crucial time to show solidarity and join forces to combat the coronavirus,” said Emad Ghaly, CEO of Siemens Energy Egypt. “Business must serve society, and Siemens has been committed to Egypt for almost 120 years. We hope this contribution helps local authorities flatten the curve and enhance the quality of healthcare services provided to Egyptians.”
In addition, Siemens provided the Ahl Masr Foundation with a fully equipped intensive care unit (ICU) including an ICU bed, an emergency portable ventilator, a compact monitor, a handheld capnograph, as well as syringe and infusion pumps. The ICU unit was installed at the Fayoum University Hospital. In addition to the ICU unit, Siemens Egypt employees raised donations to help the foundation secure the much-needed personal protective equipment (PPE) for medical staff working on the frontline.
To further improve access to quality healthcare services in Egypt, Siemens is teaming up with an Egyptian and a German NGO to establish and operate a healthcare clinic in Shoubra El Kheima. The clinic, located in one of the most populated areas in Greater Cairo, is expected to be fully operational by October 2020, and will have the capacity to serve up to 15,000 patients annually. The clinic will help in the diagnosis of the coronavirus, as well as provide quality healthcare services. It will include six specialised units covering gynaecology, internal medicine, paediatrics, ophthalmology, orthopaedics, a radiology centre, and a laboratory.
Siemens’ contributions to help mitigate the impact of the coronavirus in Egypt amounts to EGP 10m, which will also support improvements on general access to quality healthcare.
To further support the local community during this challenging time, Siemens has implemented measures to sustain undisrupted operations. At the same time, the company has continued to ensure the health and safety of employees across its projects and sites, most notably at the three mega power plants in the New Administrative Capital (NAC), Beni Suef and Al Burullus. This comes in addition to its various other substations around the country.
Globally, Siemens AG has established a worldwide aid fund to help relieve and combat the coronavirus pandemic under the auspices of the community-focused non-profit organisation, Siemens Caring Hands. All Siemens AG employees can make monetary donations to Caring Hands for this effort. Siemens AG will match every amount donated, effectively doubling any donation made to Siemens Caring Hands. The organisation will use the donations to deliver aid rapidly to people affected by the pandemic worldwide.
