More than a dozen health institutions around Uganda are expected to benefit from medical equipment worth Shs45m from Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) community outreach programme. The programme is targeting areas near KCB branches.

The launch which took place at Mulago Hospital recently saw the maternity ward receive blankets, mattresses, a digital device to monitor blood pressure and a device to monitor baby's heart beats and movements in the womb. "This programme marks the beginning of a long relationship with our health institutions not only around Kampala but countrywide," a KCB spokeswoman ,Ms Martha Munnu said.

"We intend to provide mosquito nets to hospitals in Buhiga and Kabarole, beddings and medical equipment to Naama Health Centre, Mityana and put rubbish bins in Kikuubo Market in order to improve sanitation and cleanliness." "This equipment is going to help save many mothers' lives as well as their unborn babies," Dr Josaphat Byamugisha, head of Obsterics/Gynaecology department said.

Every year, Mulago Hospital helps more than 30,000 women deliver their babies. This makes the labour ward over populated hence the need for more equipment.

"This device will ease the work of the nurses and midwives in determining the heart rate of the unborn child. In the past, one had to lean forward to listen to the baby's heartbeat while counting the heart rate at the same time," Dr Byamugisha said. He said this is much better because the device shows the heart rate and gives an audio of the baby's heart beat and helps the nurse determine the condition of the baby.

The project also targets health centres in Hoima, Lira, Gulu, Arua and Elgon Masaba. "KCB will work closely with community leaders to ensure that the donations reach the desired recipients in order to improve their welfare," Ms Munnu said. Nok Bwonditi, executive director of KCB said: "There's need to promote good health among the population so that we, as a bank, get business from the public. When people are sick, they do not save in the bank yet we need them to survive."