Chronicle Editor
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
CONSTRUCTION works at the 52-bed Kezi Rural Hospital have now surpassed the 80 percent completion mark with the facility set to be one of the major projects being implemented by the Second Republic towards achieving universal health coverage for all citizens.
Health facilities continue to be expanded and upgraded to boost the quality of healthcare for all in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of matching best international practices as a pre-requisite for an upper-middle-income society. Kezi Rural Hospital in Matabeleland South Province has not been left out as it saw its old dilapidated structure being demolished to pave the way for the reconstruction of a modern facility with additional structures which commenced last year.
In an interview with Sunday News, Matobo District Development Co-ordinator Mr Obey Chaputsira said construction work was ongoing and all things being equal, the structure should be completed in six weeks. “Construction of the facility is going on. It has been roofed. The old structure was destroyed last year and the Government through the Public Works Department commenced the construction of a new facility.
“We expect the main structure to be complete in six weeks. We can say it is now 82 percent complete. We are left with plumbing and electrical fittings. Once completed, we expect the facility to service four wards that include 13, 14, 23 and part of 21,” said Mr Chaputsira.
Matobo District Medical Officer Dr Matthew Mthunzi said the new facility will come in handy and improve health care delivery as it will have accommodation facilities for nurses and a doctor. “We are expecting up to 52 beds at the facility and that was the original bedding of the facility. This structure was built on an old structure that had become dilapidated. In addition, there is an administration office that will be used by the doctor, nurse-in-charge, and human resources or admin personnel.
“The facility is going to benefit pregnant mothers, including ANC and post-natal care, children, and general condition clients both males and females,” said Dr Mthunzi. The Second Republic has been working round the clock implementing comprehensive reforms in the healthcare sector, re-equipping and upgrading existing hospitals and clinics while building new ones.
Healthcare delivery is one of the pillars that drive economic development according to the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). Increasing access to health services for all citizens is central to universal health coverage, particularly for the most vulnerable and marginalised communities. -@nyeve14
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