Online Reporter
Peter Matika, [email protected]
Government has expressed satisfaction with progress on the ongoing extensive modernisation of major hospitals across the country under the Presidential Hospital Renovation Programme, as the Second Republic accelerates efforts to meet set timelines at Mpilo Central Hospital.
The programme is part of the Government’s broader health sector reform drive aimed at upgrading infrastructure, improving service delivery and equipping referral hospitals to meet growing demand.
The Government is spearheading a series of comprehensive reforms to overhaul the national health system, with a focus on sustainable financing, workforce expansion and critical infrastructure development.
In a recent development, President Mnangagwa witnessed the signing of health co-operation agreements in Belarus, including a deal to upgrade major hospitals nationwide in line with Vision 2030.
Last month, the President also became the first Head of State to visit Ingutsheni Central Hospital, Zimbabwe’s largest psychiatric institution, where he pledged US$1 million towards rehabilitation works after years of infrastructural deterioration.
The visit reinforced the Government’s policy of ensuring no one and no place is left behind, particularly in specialised health institutions.
The Presidential Hospital Renovation Programme seeks to reposition central hospitals to modern standards by introducing upgraded wards, improved water and sanitation systems, expanded patient capacity and modern medical equipment.
For years, central hospitals have faced pressure from ageing infrastructure, obsolete equipment and increasing patient numbers.
Speaking after touring Mpilo Central Hospital on Wednesday, the Minister of Health and Childcare, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, said he was satisfied with progress on the project.
“I am impressed with the progress that has been made here at Mpilo Central Hospital. The renovations are moving at a commendable pace and the quality of workmanship is up to standard. This is exactly what we want to see across all our major hospitals,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said upgrading referral hospitals remains central to the country’s health sector transformation agenda because they serve as the backbone of national healthcare delivery.
“We are focusing on our central hospitals because they are the backbone of our healthcare system. Once these are upgraded, it will have a ripple effect throughout the entire health delivery chain,” he said.
Dr Mombeshora said the Government remains committed to ensuring universal access to quality healthcare as part of the country’s journey towards an upper middle-income economy by 2030.
“I will be coming back on Friday (today) to check on the developments. We want to ensure that timelines are adhered to and that the people of Zimbabwe begin to benefit from these improvements as soon as possible,” he said.
The Presidential Hospital Renovation Programme is part of a broader strategy by the Government to revitalise public institutions and improve service delivery across key sectors, including health, education, and transport.
Mpilo Central Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Hospital, among others, in both urban and rural areas, are key beneficiaries of the upgrade programme meant to boost service delivery and restore quality health services.
The turning point came in June last year when President Mnangagwa conducted an impromptu visit to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and immediately directed the commencement of corrective action.
