Health boon as Government construct 47 new health centres

 

Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter

GOVERNMENT and its partners are seized with the construction of 47 new health facilities in Manicaland, in a significant development designed to ameliorate access to health, and ensure that citizens have access to a full range of quality health services when and where they need them.

The new health centres are strategically located in hard-to-reach communal and resettlement areas where patients were struggling and travelling long distances to health facilities.

Construction of the health centres which include – hospital, clinics and health posts – is part of broader Government efforts to strengthen healthcare system and improve health outcomes in the province.

The investment in healthcare infrastructure serves as a tangible demonstration of Government’s unwavering commitment to enhancing the lives of its citizens, aligning seamlessly with the goals outlined in Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS1).

By prioritising healthcare infrastructure, Government is taking a crucial step towards ensuring that citizens have access to quality medical facilities, thereby significantly improving their overall well-being and quality of life.

Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga said the health centres are at various stages of construction and referred further questions to local authorities who are mainly in charge of the construction processes.

“Currently, there are 47 health centres that are being constructed across Manicaland, and the development will ensure that citizens of Manicaland have access to a full range of quality health services when and where they need them. For other details, I ask you to get in touch with heads of local authorities of the mentioned districts,” he said.

Statistics availed by Dr Mukuzunga showed that nine clinics are being built in Chipinge District, and are between 60 and 80 percent complete.

These include Mutize, Beacon, Nyaututu, Mujee, Bangwe, Checheche Polyclinic, Maundwa, Mafumise and Shekwa.

Mutare District has six, including Gandai, St Theresa, Pakamwa, Matiza, Marewo, Fungirai clinics, while Buhera District has nine clinics – Pedzisai, Nemadziwa, Murove, Zinhinga, Nyadi, Romorehoto, Mabviregudo, Mukondomi,Chigavakava – and two health posts – Mudzamiri and Mharabwe under construction.

Dr Mukuzunga said Nyanga District has one clinic, Chimusasa, and four health posts – Mutimutema, Manga, Kaitano, Matema, while the adjacent Mutasa District has three clinics – Zindi, Sagambe and Mt Jenya – and two health posts – Samutete and Chidazembe.

He said in Makoni District, the Seventh Day Adventist Church is constructing a hospital at its Nyazura Mission Centre in Makoni South.

There is also Denzva Rural Hospital, Chikuruva and Mapere clinics.

The Nyazura Mission Hospital will help to reduce the burden on Rusape General Hospital, which is currently a referral centre for 60 clinics dotted across the district.

Buhera Rural District Council acting chief executive officer, Mr Ishmael Jachi said the newly constructed health centres will significantly reduce the distances patients travel to access medical treatment.

“The construction of these health facilities will decongest existing ones, enabling communities to access services more easily. By reducing walking distances to the nearest health facility, we are bridging a critical gap,” he explained, adding that the initiative aligns with Vision 2030, which aims to ensure equal access to development and essential services like healthcare and education.

Mr Jachi acknowledged the crucial role of devolution funds provided by Central Government.

“This is in-line with Vision 2030 where no place and no person should be left behind when it comes to development and access to key services such as health and education. We would have struggled to achieve this on our own, but Government’s intervention has been a game-changer,” said Mr Jachi.

Acting Mutasa District Development Coordinator, Mr Tedious Beto said the establishment of new clinics has been well-received by previously marginalised communities.

“Locals are embracing the construction of clinics closer to their homesteads. Since Mutasa District is mountainous, travelling long distances for medical care posed a significant challenge. We appreciate Government’s support through devolution funds, enabling the local authority to build these clinics.

“In the spirit of inclusivity, development partners and religious organisations are complementing Government efforts, providing substantial support,” said Mr Beto.

Mr Edmore Madhume, of Makoni North, highlighted the significance of constructing Mapere Clinic in Makoni Rural District Council (Ward 39), citing the area’s remoteness and high malaria prevalence.

“We warmly welcome the construction of the clinic in Mapere, which is very remote. Currently, patients travel over 18km to access the nearest clinic, with some forced to cross Nyamombe River to access clinics in Nyanga District.

“This situation is particularly dire for pregnant women requiring regular check-ups. Makoni North is a high-risk malaria zone, and it is essential that we have adequate health infrastructure and personnel. We are grateful for Government’s support through devolution funds, which is making the construction of Mapere Clinic a reality,” said Mr Madhume.