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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
THE Gwanda Provincial Hospital has used $25 million of funds that were allocated to the institution by Government this year to revamp infrastructure.
This has seen the rehabilitation of the hospital’s maternity, Central Sterilisation Supply Department (CSSD), staff canteen and incinerator.
Works that have been done include repairing roofing, tiling of walls at the maternity ward and installation of new showers.
Other works include painting of walls, electricals, carpentry, plumbing and some extensions.
Last year, the hospital’s outpatient department, male and female wards were renovated using funds that were allocated by Government.
Government has embarked on infrastructural development initiatives in major hospitals as the country moves towards improving health care services in the country in line with the National Development Strategy.
Vice-President Dr Constantino Chiwenga who is also the Minister of Health and Child Care has said Government is committed to developing infrastructure at health facilities through provision of ideal workspace and accommodation for all health staff.
Government has funded the construction of an all-encompassed hospital at Lupane Provincial Hospital and the model is set to be replicated at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
A Chronicle news crew visited the hospital yesterday where patients expressed satisfaction over the renovation works that have been made at the hospital.
Ms Tariro Sibanda from Gwanda, who is admitted at the maternity ward, said she was now at ease when using the ablution facilities.
“I’ve been here for a month and three weeks after I gave birth to a premature baby and the renovations were done while I was here.
We were moved to another ward to pave way for renovations.
There’s a major change here at the maternity ward. We used to bath from tubs, but now we have showers.
“The walls are now tiled and the place looks nice and smart. Now I can be at ease when using the bathroom and toilet,” she said.
Mr Obey Ncube from Gwanda who had visited the hospital said there was a general improvement. He said he had seen a number of departments being renovated urging Government to carry on with this momentum.
“The condition of the hospital spells out the kind of treatment that you can expect to get. A number of wards that I’ve visited such as the female and male ward and the outpatients department are now in better condition,” he said.
Mr Ncube said there was however, need for the hospital to improve on their bedding as it was in short supply and availability of medication.
In a statement, Gwanda Provincial Hospital acting medical superintendent, Dr Mthandazo Mabhanga said funds that were used to renovate the hospital were released under the Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIP).
He said some partners had also come in to spruce up the hospital.
Dr Mabhanga said Nyaradzo Group had funded the revamping of the hospital’s mortuary.
“The Government released funds to hospitals which are earmarked for infrastructural developments under what is called Public Sector Investment Projects (PSIP). Gwanda Hospital has so far used about $25 million for the renovation of various departments.
The following departments are at least 90 percent complete: maternity, rehabilitation of the Central Sterilisation Supply Department (CSSD), staff canteen and incinerator.
Renovations were mainly on electricals, carpentry, plumbing, painting and tiling walls, repairing the roof and some extensions,” he said.
Dr Mabhanga added: “These works will help to achieve a safer and more conducive environment for both staff and patients.
The incinerator will help to improve waste management, which is important for infection prevention and control particularly in the context of Covid-19.
Other works being undertaken include renovation of the public toilets and some offices.”
Dr Mabhanga also called on the private sector to complement the efforts of the Government in revamping the hospital.
He said the hospital that is currently operating with two surgeons was expecting a specialist surgeon beginning next year.
He added that the specialists will need to be supported by tools of their trade in order to assist the community and reduce the need and inconvenience of referring patients to central hospitals like Mpilo Central Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals. — @DubeMatutu
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