Online Reporter
George Maponga in Masvingo
The Government’s continued investment in the health sector has seen Masvingo Province getting more than 230 health centres, thereby significantly reducing the average walking distance to the nearest facility to about 8 kilometres.
The health institutions include those run by the Government, local authorities, private players and church missions, serving the province’s population of 1,6 million people.
Providing an update on healthcare delivery, the Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the province currently has 231 health facilities, including 13 secondary institutions
Masvingo Provincial Hospital is the largest referral centre in the province.
“The average walking distance to the nearest health centre in the province is now about 8km and we keep on improving to reduce the walking distance as more facilities are built using devolution funds,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
“The Second Republic has invested in more health facilities with a target to reduce the maternal mortality rate. New waiting mothers’ shelters have been built in areas like Chatikobo and Harava in Masvingo and Zaka Districts respectively.”
Dr Pazvakavambwa said the province also boasts 14 mission-run health institutions and 104 council-run clinics.
He said the construction of a Natpharm warehouse in Masvingo is a big boost for health delivery.
