CSR Case Studies: Mawson West Support for the Dikulushi Clinic

THE CHALLENGE

The Dikulushi Community Medical Clinic was not supported by the local Government and it required essential medical supplies and equipment to meet the needs of its patients. Additionally, the clinic building required some structural repairs.

The quantity of medical supplies at the clinic was insufficient to meet the needs of the as these were distributed to the Kilwa health office, which then distributed them to the Kilwa hospital. The Kilwa hospital then distributed the supplies to surrounding health clinics.

The clinic was staffed with two nurses, a maternity nurse, a receptionist, a pharmacist and a cleaner. This project assisted staff at the clinic to improve the medical care delivered to the community.

Sign in front of the clinic

PROJECT OVERVIEW

The aim of this project was to improve the health and medical services provided by the Dikulushi Community Medical Clinic. This was achieved through:

• Repairing and improving the existing structure of the clinic;
• Improving the supply of medicines, medical supplies and medical equipment;
• Installation of a borehole with header tank to supply fresh water to the clinic;
• Supply of a paraffin fridge to store medicines; and
• Installation of a solar panel to provide electricity.

This project began in January 2012 and was completed in in May 2012.

BENEFICIARIES OF THIS PROJECT

This project benefited the broader community as it provides improved medical services. The Dikulushi Community Medical Clinic offers medical assistance to more than 5000 people with approximately 230 medical cases per month.

The project also helped the staff of the Dikulushi Community Medical Clinic as it will allowed them to improve the treatment and service they deliver.

Borehole with header tank, which supplies fresh water to the clinic

ENGAGEMENT WITH OTHER ORGANISATIONS

The organisations listed below worked in partnership to plan and implement this project:

Australian Government – AusAid
The Australian Government committed $A30,000 towards this project.

Mawson West
Mawson West contributed a further $A30,000 towards the project. Mawson West managed the project budget and was responsible for the planning and implementation.

At the project’s completion, there was a surplus budget of $A18,872. Mawson West and the Australian Government agreed to commit these funds to the Dikulushi School Upgrade.

Community Leaders
The leaders of the Dikulushi community approached Mawson West for its support in upgrading the Dikilushi Medical Clinic and were involved in all aspects of the project.

OUTCOMES TO DATE

This project has improved the quality of medical care delivered to the community. The Dikulushi Medical Clinic now provides medical support to the community 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The medical staff are also now able to provide emergency assistance during the night thanks to the installation of a solar panel.

Fresh clean running water is available to those community members who have illnesses such as malaria and diarrhoea and who need to rehydrate with potable water.

In addition medicines that require refrigeration can now be stored in the clinic.

Clinic entrance

CONCLUSION

This project, initiated by Mawson West, demonstrates the importance of working with the local community to allow them to direct what is appropriate for the project and the community. This approach ensures the sustainability of a project post-implementation.

For further information regarding this project please contact Mawson West