Chronicle Editor
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
There are plans to convert what used to be a tuberculosis clinic in Gwanda Town to a drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centre for Matabeleland South province.
Speaking during a visit by a joint Parliamentary committee on Sustainable Development Goals and Youth Empowerment, Development and Vocational Training at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital recently, the hospital’s health services administrator, Mr Kudakwashe Mutara said cases of drug and substance abuse at the hospital are referred to Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
Mild cases are managed at the Gwanda Provincial Hospital general ward since the province does not have an appropriate facility.
The two parliamentary committees were conducting an enquiry on the state of drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres.
The purpose of the enquiry is to assess the state of rehabilitation centres in the country, get an appreciation of the challenges faced by the rehabilitation centres and make recommendations.
“Our rehabilitation patients are admitted in the general ward with other patients. This isn’t ideal as some of them are violent,” said Mr Mutara.
He said the hospital also has limited space for patients.
” We also have a shortage of medication hence we refer serious cases to Ingutsheni Hospital in Bulawayo,” said Mr Mutara.
He said there was therefore an urgent need to establish a rehabilitation centre in Gwanda town since it is the provincial capital.
“We want to convert what used to be a TB Clinic into a provincial rehabilitation centre. We are working with the Ministry of Local Government and Public Works on this project,” said Mr Mutara.
Matabeleland South provincial mental health officer, Mr Maxmillion Mudeyi said the province has a limited number of workers trained in mental health. He said the province has 33 nurses trained in mental health yet it requires 70.
“Establishing a rehabilitation centre in Matabeleland South will help to decongest Ingutsheni Central Hospital as we refer most of our patients there. Having a rehab centre in the province will also improve the management of drug and substance abuse cases,” he said.
The TB Clinic building was assessed and a bill of quantities was prepared to determine the resources required to convert it into a rehab centre.
Matabeleland South Senator Nonhlanhla Mlotshwa who chaired the meeting said the inquiry into the state of drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres is critical.
“Drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centres play a crucial role and we must ensure these institutions are operating effectively and efficiently. Drug and substance abuse is affecting our youths hence the urgent need to address the problem,” she said.
Sen Mlotshwa said the prevalence of drug abuse cases among young people has led to increased health problems, decreased productivity and a rise in crime.
“Economically, the consequences include higher healthcare costs, loss of productivity and increased burden on social services.
“In the context of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3, which focuses on ensuring healthy lives and promoting well-being for all ages, addressing drug and substance abuse is critical,” she said.
Sen Mlotshwa said after consultations, the committee will consolidate the views gathered and come up with a report which will be presented to Parliament.
Zimbabwe has made strides in achieving SDG 3 through various health initiatives including the implementation of the Zimbabwe National Drug Master Plan whose aim is to combat drug and substance abuse.
Rehabilitation centres play a crucial role in terms of harm reduction, providing necessary support and treatment for individuals struggling with addiction. -@DubeMatutu
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