On Friday, the 26th of November 2021 Paray Mission Hospital launched the new Covid-19 Mitigation Structures, sponsored by Sam Matekane Foundation. The structures include 40 bed COVID-19 centre, laundry house, pavement of hospital grounds, Oxygen Plant and cylinders and Landscaping of the Hospital grounds. The isolation unit is named St. Joseph’s Covid-19 Isolation Unit, while the oxygen generation room is named Sam Oxygen Plant. These structures were launched by Mr. Sam Matekane and His Grace Archbishop Gerard Tlali Lerotholi. The event started with the Holy Mass and viewing of the new structures.
Initially, Paray was not one of the selected hospitals to hospitalise Covid-19 patients, but due to the increased numbers of patients, the hospital had to admit patients with covid-19. From that point, the hospital realised the need to have a bigger isolation ward which could accommodate more patients with covid-19. The hospital approached Sam Matekane Foundation to intervene and provide either tents or pack homes which will be used as isolation wards.
Sam Matekane Foundation did not hesitate but responded immediately to the request. Paray received 2 tents in June 2020, as a temporary arrangement from the Foundation and the hospital was able to manage the pandemic at the time when it was at the pick and Covid-19 patients received assistance from the hospital. The need for oxygen was evident as many admitted patients needed oxygen supply which was insufficient for all the patients who needed it.
Later, Mr. Matekane came with the idea to have a solid structure for management of Covid-19 and isolation area. Early this year, construction of the isolation unit and oxygen plant commenced. With the presence of the oxygen plant, the hospital is now able to provide the whole hospital with oxygen. This oxygen plant will be able to supply other hospitals around the country with oxygen.
Speaking at the event, Mr. Matekane recommended that the hospital may supply other hospitals with oxygen for free but charge for electricity used for oxygen generator.
As a means for appreciation and thanksgiving to Mr. Sam Matekane, Paray Hospital created the monument named after Mr. Matekane. He was also given a blanket as a gift.
