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Trust Freddy
Herald Correspondent
State-owned, National Oil Infrastructure Company of Zimbabwe (NOIC) has donated medical equipment worth over US$17 000 to the newly constructed Mabvazuva Clinic in Epworth, paving the way for the facility to open its doors to the public within the next two weeks.
The Government has already secured staff, and some will be drawn from Epworth, to work at the primary health service, which was built using devolution funds.
NOIC also pledged to install solar power the clinic, which will serve a population of over 44 000 in Ward 7, augmenting the existing healthcare infrastructure in an area currently served by just four facilities for a population of over 200 000.
Speaking during the handover, Minister of State for Harare Provincial Affairs and Devolution Charles Tawengwa, who was being represented by Mr Cosmas Chiringa, the Permanent Secretary for Harare Province, commended NOIC for leading by example in improving local health Infrastructure.
“In our country’s drive to an upper middle-class economy by 2030, this occasion substantiates SDG Number Three to ensure healthy lives and promote well-being for all at all ages.
“This facility will strategically place Epworth Local Board at a key and functional role of providing health services to its people, a core and fundamental initiative that help to compliment Government efforts towards a healthy nation.”
Mabvazuva Clinic was commissioned by President Mnangagwa in 2022 and the construction was done using devolution funds.
However, despite the completion of the clinic, Minister Tawengwa said there had been shortage of essential staff, creating a barrier to the full operation of the facility.
“I am calling upon other corporates to take a leaf from this initiative done by NOIC, taking cognisance of the fact that it takes a joint effort to build a nation which resonates with the whole of Government approach, that is, the public and private sector working together.
“I am looking forward to a more enhanced utilisation of the donated resources and closing of the gap on the still outstanding critical medical equipment.”
Harare Provincial Medical Director (PMD), Dr Innocent Hove, appealed to well-wishers and the business community to partner with Government in building more clinics in Epworth.
“We currently have a total of four health facilities, and with the opening of this new one, it will bring the total to five.
“However, this is still insufficient for a population of over 200 000, as the World Health Organisation recommends at least one health facility per 10 000 population.
“We expect more individuals and organisations to partner with the Government to build additional health facilities.
“We are working diligently to ensure the clinic opens its doors to the public before the end of June, and we have already secured staff, with general workers to be recruited from within the local community.”
He said that there was a need to construct a referral hospital as most patients requiring secondary care are currently being referred to Harare, Chitungwiza, or Marondera hospitals.
NOIC board chairman Air Vice Marshal (Retired) Innocent Rufaro Chiganze said: “I would like to appreciate the Epworth Local Board for undertaking the construction of Mabvazuva Clinic to improve the livelihoods of residents in Ward 7 and making it easy for them to access healthcare services.
“I am advised that Ward 7 is only a part of Epworth constituency and has a population size of 44 315.
“NOIC aspires to make a difference in the communities it operates. Today we continue to fulfil this aspiration here in Epworth.
The Company donated equipment and accessories worth US$17 984.”
Online Reporter