SQM Donates Two Mechanical Ventilators to the Antofagasta Region’s Public Healthcare Network

The mining company donated two state-of-the-art mechanical respirators for use in cities where demand is greatest. This is in addition to donations of medical supplies and personal protective equipment that SQM has made to medical centers in Tocopilla and María Elena. 

In order to continue contributing to the fight against COVID 19 and ensure the speedy recovery of those who contract the virus, SQM has joined efforts with the Regional Government of Antofagasta and the public health care network. The company donated two state-of-the-art, portable mechanical ventilators designed to provide chronic and critical patients with invasive and non-invasive respiratory therapies in a wide variety of environments.

In relation to the portable equipment, which will be sent to cities where demand is highest, Regional Intendant Edgar Blanco explained: “We value the contribution by SQM, which has always been part of regional development. Today’s important donation complements the efforts already underway by the regional government to prepare the region’s hospitals and medical centers to respond effectively to the community’s needs.”

Pablo Pisani, SQM’s Director of Communications, Sustainability and Public Affairs, made the donation at the Regional Intendant’s office, emphasizing that: “From the beginning of this emergency, we have been present in cities surrounding our production sites: Tocopilla, Maria Elena and San Pedro de Atacama. We have responded to calls from the community, municipalities and other social institutions with different types of support. Today, we would like to contribute two mechanical ventilators. As a company, we feel the need to help strengthen the region’s Public Healthcare Network in order to enable timely response as this situation develops.”

Héctor Vallejos, Acting Director of the Antofagasta Health Service, added that: “We thank SQM for this important contribution at a time when this equipment is very difficult to attain. Two ventilators are two lives so this support is very significant to all of us.”

Antofagasta and Tarapacá Regions

Like a good neighbor, SQM is conducting several initiatives in the communities surrounding its production sites in the regions of Antofagasta and Tarapacá. One focus has been on the medical centers in Tocopilla and María Elena, where SQM has already provided personal protective equipment, including: masks, coveralls, goggles, gloves, infrared thermometers, hand sanitizer and shoe covers.

The company’s contributions also focus on sanitizing public spaces in María Elena, Tocopilla, Toconao, Talabra, Camar, Peine and Río Grande. These initiatives are also being replicated in the municipality of Pozo Almonte and some coastal communities in the Tarapacá region.

The mining company has also directly supported those for whom COVID-19 poses the highest risk, like senior citizens, to whom SQM has delivered baskets with basic food items to encourage people to stay at home under quarantine. This is in addition to the support provided through community food kitchens for the residents of San Pedro de Atacama.