Online Reporter
Sunday News Reporter
INGUTSHENI Psychiatric Hospital in Bulawayo has received an assortment of groceries valued at US$7500 from an interdenominational prayer group – Daughters of Virtue.
The donation is expected to bolster Government efforts at the psychiatric hospital that has of late been inundated by patients including those battling mental disorders as a result of drug and substance abuse.
Speaking at the handover ceremony on Saturday, Daughters of Virtue Vice President Pastor Blessed Marara explained that the initiative was part of the organisation’s tradition of celebrating its visionary – Prophetess Memory Matimbire’s birthday.
“Prophetess Memory Matimbire of Daughters of Virtue has made it a tradition to give back to the less privileged on her birthday,” he said.
“This year, we chose to support Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital, which cares for a diverse patient population, including individuals suffering from mental health conditions some of which are caused by drug and substance abuse problems. Our support aims to improve their welfare and recovery environment,” he said.
Pastor Marara said they decided to complement Government efforts and called on the corporate world to assist the needy especially the vulnerable in institutions across the country.
“The church and the corporate world should assist the Government in caring for the welfare of the vulnerable members of the society. Hospitals, old people’s homes and children’s homes need our collective efforts. We are happy to be sharing whatever we have as we celebrate the birthday of our visionary Prophetess Matimbire.
“Last year, we donated 600 blankets to Chitungwiza General Hospital and we continue the tradition this year, recognising the importance of mental health and addiction recovery, we decided to contribute food items to Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital. We believe such donations can significantly enhance the well-being of patients and aid their journey towards healing.”
The donation is expected to make a meaningful impact on the hospital’s ongoing efforts to foster recovery and improve patient welfare, especially for those battling addiction alongside mental health issues.
Clinical Director of Ingutsheni Psychiatric Hospital, Dr Wellington Ranga, expressed gratitude for the donation, emphasising the challenges faced by patients with mental health and substance abuse issues.
“I want to thank Daughters of Virtue for this generous gesture. Many of our patients, especially those battling addiction, face complex recovery processes and such support makes a real difference,” he said.
“Addiction often complicates mental health treatment and donations like these help create a more supportive environment for recovery. We are grateful,” he said soon after receiving the groceries.
Dr Ranga highlighted that donations of this nature reinforce the hospital’s efforts to provide holistic care, including for patients with substance use disorders, who need both medical treatment and community support to recover.
Daughters of Virtue also supports women struggling with infertility through prayer and spiritual encouragement through their Hannah Department.
The ministry, also hosts “Hannah Camps” and prayer meetings inspired by the biblical story of Hannah in 1 Samuel, who was initially barren but later blessed with a son, Samuel.
Explaining the initiative, Pastor Marara said the ministry provides hope and spiritual support to women trusting in God’s timing and blessings.
The founding of the spiritual support group was inspired by Prophetess Matimbire, who experienced a six-year period of barrenness before she was blessed with children.
Since 2018, the Hannah Group has recorded over 1,124 pregnancies and 4,624 births, including 38 sets of twins and one set of triplets.
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