Online Reporter
Nyore Madzianike
Senior Reporter
THE Office of Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi is organising a luncheon aimed at raising US$5 million, which will be channelled towards the rehabilitation and modernisation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo, as part of the Second Republic’s commitment to improving the health sector.
Slated for March 20 in Bulawayo, the luncheon seeks to transform the historic mental health institution into a modern state-of-the-art facility while also constructing a specialised drug and substance rehabilitation centre to tackle the growing scourge.
President Mnangagwa will be the guest of honour.
Permanent Secretary in Vice President Dr Mohadi’s Office, Dr Benson Martins Dube, said the fundraising drive followed a visit to the health institution by Vice President Dr Mohadi in May last year.
The Vice President then recommended a fundraising effort for the upgrading of the health facility, which has been grappling with ageing infrastructure and equipment.
The heavy burden of the growing number of drug and substance abuse patients needing rehabilitation was heavy on the hospital’s shoulders.
“All this came about because of the visit to the facility last year in May by Vice President Dr KCD Mohadi who, after touring the facility, recommended a fundraising effort to help rehabilitate the facility,” said Dr Dube.
He said the facility, which was established in 1908, was in urgent need of refurbishment to enable it to continue serving patients from across the country and the region.
“The fundraising luncheon slated for March 20 is aimed at raising funds to rehabilitate a facility that was established in 1908 and now needs facelifting, considering that it is one of the most important health facilities in the country, taking care of those with mental challenges from all over the country.
“Some structures are worth bringing down and modern ones put up so that the institution can meet modern health standards. There is also need for a state-of-the-art drug and substance rehabilitation centre that needs to be constructed to cater for all affected by the scourge,” said Dr Dube.
He called upon the corporate world and other stakeholders “to come in their numbers to support the just cause.”
“We have a list of items we are targeting to raise funds for and have included them in all our invites. We are looking at raising anything to the tune of US$5 million.
“Members of the public and civil society are invited to participate or contribute towards this good cause. Individuals and organisations that cannot attend, but would like to support the initiative will also be accommodated. Adverts will be having contacts of officers whom they can contact and register their contributions,” he said.
Dr Dube said the planned facelift would not only improve service delivery but also help attract more specialists and improve working conditions for staff.
“We believe that the new look facility will attract more qualified specialists and boost the morale of the workers because of the clean environment and user-friendly modern facilities.
“It will also attract well-wishers and friends of the facility to come in and assist in the maintenance of the facility.”
