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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
THE refurbishment of Manama Mission Hospital theatre has brought a breath of grace to the surrounding communities, the kind that settles gently after years of strain. Where families once faced the wearying prospect of travelling nearly 90km to Gwanda Provincial Hospital for surgical services, there is now a renewed sense of nearness — of care restored to its rightful home. The relief is both practical and deeply human, a closing of distance that felt, for too long, like an ache.
The hospital had gone for about 20 years without a functional theatre, a long silence that dimmed its service to the people who depend on it. Now, with quiet determination and the support of CordAid Zimbabwe, the theatre hums again. The facility is now able to conduct caesarean sections and laparotomy procedures when a specialist is available, a transformation that turns emergencies into manageable moments, and fear into something steadier — hope that arrives on time.
A 40kw mini solar plant has also been installed at the hospital, its panels catching the sun with the quiet confidence of a promise kept. Power, once uncertain, now feeds the theatre with unwavering light, ensuring that skill and care are never interrupted by darkness.
The institution serves rural communities in Gwanda, Kezi and Beitbridge districts and is run by the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) in partnership with Government and other stakeholders. It is a place where faith and public duty meet in service of the most meaningful kind — tending to life as it unfolds, messily and magnificently, in the far reaches of the country.
Ms Primrose Nleya from Mapate area said the restoration of theatre services has brought immense relief.
“Early last year, my young sister had to deliver through an emergency Caesarean section, but our hospital didn’t have the facility. It was a really hectic situation because she had to be transferred to Gwanda Provincial Hospital and we had to look for funds to pay for the ambulance at the last minute.
“We were worried about her condition as well as the condition of the baby. The finances were another challenge. We also had to follow her to assist and support her. Now that we have a theatre here it will make it easier for us as a community,” she said.
Manama Mission Hospital medical superintendent, Dr Solomon Madondo, said the theatre is a crucial component of healthcare and has significantly improved maternal services.
“We were unable to do C-sections at the hospital as our theatre didn’t have equipment. Intervention came late last year through a partner CordAid Zimbabwe. We are now able to conduct Caesarean sections and laparotomy when a specialist is available. This has helped to significantly improve health care services, especially maternal care.
“We used to transfer Caesarean patients to Gwanda Provincial Hospital, which turned out to be a huge inconvenience as we serve a rural population. This is a major boost for the institution as we move to offer comprehensive healthcare to our community,” he said.
Evangelical Lutheran Church in Zimbabwe (ELCZ) Presiding Bishop, Dr Michael Dube, said the refurbished theatre and other ongoing projects demonstrate how strategic partnerships can deliver real improvements in people’s lives. He said Manama Mission Hospital is gradually being upgraded through support from various development partners. In the rhythm of his words is the steady progress of rebuilding, one careful step at a time, one partnership at a time.
Dr Dube said after the hospital was damaged by a storm several years ago, the church and Government have worked tirelessly to restore and upgrade the institution. He said the facility serves a large catchment area.
“As a church, we are an auxiliary to Government and we understand the role we have in developing our nation. We eagerly anticipate continued collaboration as we work together to achieve the goals of Vision 2030.
“Manama Mission Hospital has a big catchment area as we have clients that come as far as Kezi and Zezani area in Beitbridge. This shows how crucial this health institution is to the community. Some of our clients are not able to pay for health services, and that’s why we have to ensure that services are subsidised,” he said.
Dr Dube added that the hospital still has several outstanding development projects, and efforts to engage more partners will continue. The road ahead is practical and hopeful, shaped by blueprints and budgets, but also by the unspoken pact between institutions and the people they serve — to keep moving forward together.
Gwanda South legislator, Dr Omphile Marupi, who is also Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services Deputy Minister, said the operational theatre is crucial in ensuring the hospital offers comprehensive healthcare in line with national development priorities.
“It’s a huge relief to our community to have a theatre at the hospital. Access to improved health care services is one of the major pillars under the National Development Strategy 2, which will result in the attainment of Vision 2030. It’s important for the rural folk to have access to improved health care services and we see it happening at Manama Mission Hospital,” he said.
@DubeMatutu
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