Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
MANICALAND’S major referral health institution, Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, has embarked on an ambitious modernisation programme aimed at transforming patient care.
The initiative includes replacing outdated hospital beds with state-of-the-art equipment, signalling a new era of efficiency and improved service delivery, The Manica Post has learnt.
The modernisation of Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital received a significant boost on Wednesday when Delta Beverages, through its Castle Lager brand, donated 10 new hospital beds to the institution.
The timely donation comes as the hospital, with support from the Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care and various development partners, continues its gradual drive to upgrade patient care facilities and replace ageing equipment at one of Manicaland’s busiest referral centres.
Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital Medical Superintendent, Dr Hilary Makiwa, confirmed that the institution is undergoing a broad modernisation programme, with the replacement of old hospital beds forming a key part of the initiative.
“With assistance from the ministry and our partners, we are in the process of changing our beds from the old type to new ones,” he said.
Dr Makiwa explained that many of the hospital’s beds have been in use for decades, and are now being phased out in favour of modern equipment designed to enhance patient comfort and improve treatment outcomes.
“We are modernising the hospital step-by-step, and part of that process involves replacing ageing beds and equipment with newer and more efficient ones that meet the demands of contemporary healthcare delivery,” he added.
He added that modern hospital beds play a crucial role in improving patient management, enabling medical staff to respond more effectively to diverse health conditions.
Dr Makiwa noted that the 10 new beds donated by Delta Beverages, through its Castle Lager brand, will significantly enhance patient care due to their advanced features and durability, while also supporting the hospital’s ongoing modernisation programme.
“These are three-crank beds, meaning they can adjust the head and foot sections depending on the patient’s condition. Their versatility allows medical staff to elevate specific parts of the body when required, which is vital for certain treatments. The donation will go a long way in supporting our modernisation process,” he explained.
He added that the hospital has grown considerably over the years, with patient numbers and services expanding rapidly. However, some of its equipment and infrastructure have struggled to keep pace with this growth.
“Upgrading our facilities step by step is essential, and we deeply appreciate this gesture. It directly contributes to our modernisation drive and helps us deliver better healthcare to the community,” said Dr Makiwa.
He said the institution is now handling far more patients than before, creating additional strain on available beds, equipment, and ward facilities. “At this point in time, our expansion has been quite exponential because we are receiving more patients and providing more services than before. Naturally, this increases demand for equipment and resources within the hospital,” he explained.
Dr Makiwa noted that support from corporates and development partners has been instrumental in bridging resource gaps faced by public health institutions.
“When Delta Beverages approached us indicating their willingness to partner with us, we were excited because it showed they understand some of the challenges we are facing,” he said.
He added that the hospital views the partnership as a meaningful contribution to its ongoing efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure and equipment.
“We do not take this lightly. We appreciate their partnership, and we hope this marks the beginning of a long-lasting relationship,” said Dr Makiwa.
Handing over the donation, Delta Beverages regional sales manager, Mr Julius Chirara, said the initiative is part of Castle Lager’s 10th Anniversary National Castle Lager Braai Day celebrations. “On behalf of Delta Beverages’ Lager Beer Business, we are pleased to fulfil a commitment made through our flagship brand, Castle Lager, during our 10th Anniversary celebrations of the National Castle Lager Braai Day,” he said.
Mr Chirara said the company pledged to donate 100 modern hospital beds across Zimbabwe’s 10 provinces.
“We pledged to donate 100 state-of-the-art hospital beds which will be distributed across the country. Delta Beverages remains committed to supporting national development and investing in the well-being of communities that form the foundation of our success,” he said.
He said the company believes supporting healthcare institutions is part of giving back to communities.
“We truly believe this donation is a fitting way to show our appreciation to the communities we serve, while also playing a role in supporting and advancing public healthcare,” said Mr Chirara.
The handover marked the third provincial donation event under the nationwide programme.
The hospital’s matron, Mrs Sheila Chimbetete, said the donated beds are expected to improve patient comfort, treatment efficiency and service delivery as the institution continues working towards modernising healthcare infrastructure and equipment.
“The donation will directly improve patient comfort and service delivery in our hospital’s wards. This support will directly improve patient comfort and care in our wards,” she said.
Mrs Chimbetete said partnerships between the corporate sector and health institutions remain critical in improving healthcare services.
