Samsung Electronics South Africa launched a Solar Powered Health Centre (SPHC) at the Maubane Clinic in Dihibidung Village in Ga-Maubane in the North West province of South Africa.

The health centre is built for use in remote rural areas with the goal to eliminate the economic and geographic barriers that prevent people across Africa from obtaining quality medical treatment.

According to the World Bank, more than 60% of people in Sub-Saharan Africa live in rural areas and lack the resources to reach clinics for proactive medical care.

First launched in Cape Town in 2013, Samsung’s SPHC harnesses solar power to present a viable, affordable initiative to provide professional, qualified medical care to underserved communities.

Pitso Kekana, head of corporate citizenship for Samsung Electronics Southern Africa comments, “This is the third Solar Powered Medical Centre and the fourth Solar Powered Health Centre that Samsung has donated in the last two years. It is our intention to supply Healthcare Centres to more communities in need. At Samsung we believe that advanced healthcare solutions play a significant role in social upliftment of communities and this is the inspiration behind the donation of each Healthcare Centre.”

The SPHC at the Maubane Clinic is housed in a shipping container fitted with the most advanced medical equipment and Samsung solar panels. The focus will be on screening up to 300 patients a day to diagnose conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, tooth decay and cataracts, as well as educating the community on health issues.

Khosi P.P. Maubane from the Bakgatla Ba Mocha Traditional Council is pleased to welcome the SPHC into the Ga-Maubane community. “It is essential that our people have access to primary health care and are educated on how best to take care of themselves. The SPHC is a welcome addition to our community and we look forward to providing support in any way we can to maximise the results.”

In addition to the Traditional Council, the North West Department of Health is also showing its support for the SPHC in Ga-Maubane by covering the operating costs. North West Province MEC for Health, Dr Magome Masike comments, “Rural areas are particularly susceptible to health issues, due to lack of access to health care and lack of education – and this impacts on overall quality of life. Solutions like the SPHC help address this issue and we are appreciative of this partnership with Samsung whereby we can use their unique expertise to improve the living standards of our people.”

Samsung Electronics South Africa will also be handing over a Mobile Mother and Child Health Centre for the benefit of the villages of the Bojanala District. The Mother and Child unit is equipped to offer comprehensive pre- and post-natal screening, care and education in an effort to reduce Africa’s high infant mortality rate.