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Walter Mswazie, Masvingo Correspondent
THE government is planning to build three more hospitals in Lupane, Gwanda and Masvingo to ease congestion at existing health institutions in the three areas.
Speaking to journalists after touring Masvingo General Hospital on Thursday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the government has been offered about 40 hectares of land by the local authority in Masvingo to construct the planned hospital.
Dr Parirenyatwa said once new hospitals are established, there will be less congestion at the facilities already in existence.
He said the issue of staff and drug shortages at Masvingo General Hospital needs to be addressed.
“Considering the size of the hospital visa vis the population in the province, Masvingo General Hospital needs expansion.
In actual fact there is a need for three new provincial hospitals, one in each identified area. There is going to be a new hospital in Gwanda, Lupane and Masvingo,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.
“About 40 hectares of land have been identified for yet another provincial hospital in Masvingo and there is a need for onsite developments. That should be done very soon.”
He said there is an urgent need to increase staff at Masvingo General Hospital and the Health Service Board (HSB) is seized with the matter.
Dr Parirenyatwa also said there is low supply of basic drugs at the hospital and that should be looked into.
The Minister is touring hospitals to appreciate challenges faced by health institutions.
On Monday he toured Gwanda Provincial Hospital and yesterday he visited Masvingo General Hospital and Bikita District Hospital. He will also visit Chiredzi District Hospital.
derick.khumalo