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Angeline Mpofu Chronicle Reporter
THE construction of Matabeleland North Provincial Hospital in Lupane will begin next week with the government affirming its commitment to complete the project which has been in limbo for years.Cde Cain Mathema, the Minister of State for Provincial Affairs in Matabeleland North, yesterday said the construction of the new hospital was part of government’s efforts to improve access to health services in the province.
“The land for the new hospital had already been located and the building activities will probably commence at the end of this month,” he said.
“The money needed to build the hospital has already been allocated to the Ministry of Health and all the necessary activities are under way.”
Cde Mathema could not be drawn to disclose the total cost of setting up a new hospital but said the completion of the project will ease pressure on district hospitals and ensure communities access health services without having to travel to major cities.
Said Cde Mathema: “People living in rural areas are forced to travel long distances to access health services such as operations and other specialist services. This is because the few hospitals we have are located far from their homes.”
The Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Paul Chimedza confirmed the development.
“Building activities will start this month-end in Lupane. Villagers will have better access to health services since the hospital will be one of the best in the province,” he said.
Dr Chimedza said the government was working on building new hospitals in all provinces, but “financial constraints might prove to be a challenge”.
Online Reporter