RUSAL opens modern multifunctional medical center for COVID-19 patients in bauxite-alumina complex

RUSAL opened a new multifunctional medical center for the treatment of infectious diseases in Guinea. The center, built within the Friguia bauxite-alumina complex, has an isolated infectious diseases department, a sanitary checkpoint for medical staff, an observatory, and an intensive care unit.

Yakov Itskov, Director of RUSAL's alumina business, said: "RUSAL strives not only to meet the highest standards in bauxite mining and alumina production in the country, but also to follow best practices to protect our employees, their families and residents of the region from epidemics and pandemics. In 2015, the Company did everything possible to help Guinea fight Ebola and the opening of the new Center is an important part of our contribution to strengthening the country's health system."

To date, more than 100 patients have been treated in the second medical facility, and the same number continue to be treated.

The company built the first medical centre in 2015, during the Ebola outbreak in the Kindia region and such a hospital has been indispensable during this time as it was among the first to receive patients with confirmed coronavirus infections during the coronavirus pandemic, the company said.

Dr. Mohamed Diane, Guinea’s Minister of National Defense and Chief of Staff of the presidential executive office said: “On behalf of the President and government of Guinea, I would like to thank RUSAL for all the efforts it has made and continue making to help Guinea in difficult times. During this coronavirus pandemic, RUSAL continues to create new infrastructure for us. We are sincerely grateful for all these developments that contribute to the expansion of the capabilities of the health care system in the region.”