MASERU, 10 November 2026: Econet Telecom Lesotho (ETL) has today handed over medical equipment to Loretto Health Centre in Qoaling to strengthen services within its maternity ward. The ceremony also marked the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with St. Joseph’s Hospital to support public health services through medical interns and residency doctors supported by the Higherlife Foundation.

The donated equipment worth close to M400,000.00 included two delivery beds, an ultrasound scanner, two vital signs monitors, an oxygen concentrator, a nebulizer, an emergency stretcher, a portable examination couch, a drug trolley and four bedside screens.

Speaking at the handover ceremony, Econet Telecom Lesotho’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Dennis Plaatjies, said the contribution reflected the company’s commitment to the wellbeing of the communities the company serves.

“Behind every piece of equipment is a person who needs care and a healthcare professional working to provide it. Our contribution as Econet is intended to support both. We want to help create an environment where mothers and newborns receive the care they need, and where healthcare teams have essential resources to carry out their work,” said Mr Plaatjies.

He added that the partnership with St. Joseph’s Hospital complemented the donation by supporting the people responsible for delivering healthcare.

“Equipment and medical expertise must work together. Through this partnership and the support of Higherlife Foundation Lesotho, we are investing in a shared ambition: stronger health services for Basotho,” he said.

Sister Manaleli Moremoholo, the Nurse in Charge at Loretto Health Centre, welcomed the equipment and its anticipated contribution to patient care.

“For our team, having the right equipment makes a meaningful difference to our daily work. These resources will support us in assessing and monitoring patients, providing maternity care and responding to their needs. We are grateful to Econet Telecom Lesotho for this contribution that recognises the work we do and the community we serve,” she said.

The Memorandum of Understanding set out a partnership between ETL and St. Joseph’s Hospital to strengthen public health services through medical interns and residency doctors supported by the Higherlife Foundation Lesotho. It reinforces the importance of developing medical professionals alongside improving resources at healthcare facilities in Lesotho.

Attorney Tiisetso Sello-Mafatle, representing the Roman Catholic Church’s Archdiocese of Maseru, said the occasion demonstrated the value of institutions working together to serve communities.

“The Church’s service in healthcare is rooted in compassion and respect for human dignity. We welcome partnerships that help our health facilities fulfil that mission. Econet Telecom Lesotho’s contribution and agreement demonstrate what we can achieve when institutions bring their resources and commitment together in service of others,” said Attorney Mafatle.

Dr Llang Maama, Director-General (a.i.) at the Ministry of Health, highlighted the importance of coordinated investment in healthcare equipment and personnel.

“Strengthening health services requires attention to both essential equipment and the professionals who use it. Partnerships that support these priorities can make a valuable contribution to patient care. We welcome this commitment by Econet Telecom Lesotho and encourage continued collaboration aligned with the healthcare needs of Basotho,” said Dr Maama.

The ceremony, which began with Holy Mass, brought together partners in support of improved healthcare delivery. Through the donation and the hospital partnership, ETL reaffirmed its commitment to supporting healthcare professionals and contributing to the wellbeing of Basotho.

For more information, please contact the ETL PR office at 2221 1760.