admin
Tawanda Mangoma in CHIREDZI
Chiredzi District Hospital is facing a critical shortage of beds in the maternity wards, forcing some expecting mothers to sleep on the floor.
The district health referral institution’s catchment area stretches to Chikombedzi along the border with Mozambique and South Africa and has been failing to cope with demand for maternity services.
The situation has been further compounded by poor state of polyclinics in Chiredzi Town, which has a population of more than 40 000 people.
Council has now moved to upgrade the main polyclinic to relieve pressure on Chiredzi Hospital.
Chiredzi Town Council chair Councillor Gibson Hwende last week said the local authority was almost done with works on the maternity ward.
“We heard about the situation at Chiredzi General Hospital’s maternity ward and resolved as council to provide an alternative home for our expecting mothers from in and around Chiredzi District,” said Clr Hwende.
He said they have already managed to connect reserve water tanks and back-up electricity from solar systems that would speed up the use of the maternity wing.
“We have managed to connect the polyclinic to a more efficient water line.
“Through the help of well-wishers we managed to connect back-up solar systems and water tanks that will be used by the clinic during emergency periods.”
Cllr Hwende said as council they are looking at purchasing an ambulance to cater for emergencies in the town.
“As a fast growing town, we must move with time and be the best providers of services to our people. I was disheartened when a small girl was struck by lightning, we lost her due to the poor emergency response in our town,” he said.
“We need our own council ambulances, we need to respond to emergencies timely so that we save lives.
“The most important people in this town are the residents because their money is what keeps this town going.”
Chiredzi Residents and Ratepayers’ Association chairman Mr Jonathan Muusha said residents were delighted that council was fulfilling some of its budgeted projects on time.
“This is a clear testimony of a council which is slowly respecting its residents,” he said.
“Surely, the situation at the general hospital was not pleasing, expecting mothers sleeping on the floor.
“This town has recorded significant growth in population hence it needs more clinics, surgeries and pharmacies to open and save lives.”
Online Reporter