Online Reporter
Vusumuzi Dube
PRESIDENT Mnangagwa has emphasised the urgent need to develop home-grown solutions to public health challenges across Africa, saying these are critical in safeguarding lives and enhancing livelihoods for ordinary citizens.
He made the remarks in Bulawayo yesterday while addressing a fundraising luncheon for Ingutsheni Central Hospital, where he also reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to strengthening the country’s health delivery system.
The luncheon was organised by the Office of Vice President Kembo Mohadi in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care as part of efforts to raise US$5 million, which will go towards transforming the mental health institution.
Ingutsheni was built in 1908 and has recently become overwhelmed, which has necessitated the need to modernise the facility by constructing a specialised drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centre.
President Mnangagwa said under the Second Republic, focus has been on safeguarding people’s health, as well as improving access to quality and affordable health delivery at all levels while also strengthening public health governance.
He noted that his Government continues to implement wide-ranging measures aimed at ensuring universal access to health services.
“My administration continues to deploy multi-pronged efforts towards universal access to quality, affordable and comprehensive health services.
“Of critical importance in this regard are robust public health institutions with modern infrastructure, supported by domestic resource mobilisation, innovation and the local manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies,” said the President.
He stressed that Africa must prioritise self-reliance in addressing health challenges.
President Mnangagwa, Vice President Mohadi (left), Chief Secretary to the President and Cabinet Dr Martin Rushwaya (second left) and Lands, Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Rural Development Minister Dr Anxious Masuka prepare to take seats at the fund-raising luncheon for Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo yesterday.
“Our country, the SADC region and African continent at large, require home-grown solutions to public health challenges as indispensable ingredients to build resilient systems that safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our peoples,” said President Mnangagwa.
“Similarly, to achieve health sovereignty, there is a need for sustainable financing mechanisms and self-sufficiency, more so in a world with shifting trends and shrinking external support”.
Turning to Ingutsheni Central Hospital, President Mnangagwa described the institution as a cornerstone of mental health services in Zimbabwe, with a legacy spanning more than a century.
“For over a century, this institution has remained a place of hope and healing for many of our citizens who require specialised mental health services.
“Despite the injustices associated with the racist colonial regime, Ingutsheni Central Hospital has continued to provide essential services to our nation,” he said.
President Mnangagwa highlighted the urgent need for refurbishment and modernisation of the facility, pointing out that existing infrastructure requires significant upgrades.
“Mental health challenges affect societies worldwide, and Zimbabwe is no exception. Shifting social and economic pressures have heightened the susceptibility of many individuals to mental health conditions,” he said.
The President identified drug and substance abuse, particularly among youths, as a major contributor to the country’s mental health burden.
“One of the most significant factors in this challenge is the increasing problem of drug and substance abuse, especially among our youth, which has become a major public health issue in our country,” he said.
“I am informed that a considerable number of admissions to acute psychiatric wards at Ingutsheni Central Hospital are linked to alcohol and drug-related conditions.”
President Mnangagwa said Government has since established the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse, which is spearheading a coordinated national response.
“The committee is implementing a ‘Whole-of-Government and Society Approach’ aimed at prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by drug and substance abuse,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the transformation of Ingutsheni requires a comprehensive overhaul, with Government targeting to turn the institution into a centre of excellence in line with national development goals.
“We aim to remodel the facility to become a centre of excellence for mental health services in Zimbabwe, in line with our National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030,” he said.
“I, therefore, invite captains of industry and commerce, corporate leaders, development partners and well-wishers to come on board and collaborate with the Government in the noble cause to revitalise Ingutsheni Central Hospital.
“Your contributions, be it in cash, kind, equipment, materials or services, will go a long way in restoring dignity and hope to the many of our fellow citizens who rely on this institution”.
The President also called on academia and health professionals to play their part in strengthening the health sector, while urging the Health Service Commission to expedite the recruitment of critical staff.
“Beyond infrastructure, we must ensure the hospital is adequately staffed with the requisite number of doctors, nurses and support staff.
“In this regard, the Health Service Commission must move with speed to fill the approved extra posts,” he said.
President Mnangagwa said the Government is enhancing the availability of essential medicines, particularly psychiatric drugs, while also embracing digital health technologies to improve service delivery.
“There is a saying that goes, ‘there is no health without mental health’. Hence, the mental health of our population is of key national importance.
“Let’s scale up our collaboration as Government, private sector, development partners, academia and communities, to restore the dignity and capacity of this important national institution. Together, we can transform this institution into a centre of excellence in mental health care.”
The President reiterated that Zimbabwe should always be guided by the development philosophy: “Nyika inovakwa, inotongwa, inonamatigwa nevene vayo/Ilizwe lakhiwa, libuswe, likhulekelwe ngabanikazi balo”.
