Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Zimpapers Writer
ALL is set for the commissioning of the Mataga Mini Hospital at Mataga Growth Point in Mberengwa District today, where the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, will officiate. The commissioning comes at a time when health facilities across the country are being expanded and upgraded to enhance the quality of healthcare provision, in line with President Mnangagwa’s vision of aligning with international best practices — a key requirement for achieving an upper-middle-income society.
The Government has been working tirelessly to implement comprehensive reforms in the healthcare sector, re-equipping and modernising existing hospitals and clinics, while also constructing new facilities.
Healthcare delivery is a cornerstone of economic development, as highlighted in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1). Expanding access to healthcare services, particularly for vulnerable and marginalised communities, is vital for the attainment of universal health coverage.
The Mataga Mini Hospital is among a series of facilities built under a US$210 million programme supported by United Kingdom-based medical infrastructure developer, NMS Infrastructure Limited.
To date, four mini-hospitals have been completed: Stoneridge in Harare, Cowdray Park in Bulawayo, Mataga Hospital in Mberengwa (Midlands Province), and Runyararo Health Centre in Chimanimani, Manicaland, which also serves survivors of Cyclone Idai.
These facilities are self-sufficient, featuring solar power systems, accommodation for on-site staff, brick incinerators, and water reservoirs. Each hospital is equipped with delivery, prenatal, postnatal, and procedure rooms, a paediatric ward, three consultation rooms, and an imaging suite with a mobile X-ray machine.
Installed medical equipment includes anaesthesia machines, X-ray units, ultrasound machines, and vital signs monitors. An elated District Development Coordinator (DDC) for Mberengwa District, Mr Vafias Hlabati, confirmed that preparations for the commissioning ceremony at Mataga Growth Point were complete.
“The Mataga Mini Hospital commissioning is scheduled for today, 4 July, by the Government,” he said.
Mr Hlabati expressed the community’s excitement about the project, which brings quality healthcare to locals.
“Visit Mataga Mini Hospital and witness a magnificent, state-of-the-art facility fully equipped with everything required of a functional hospital. This is a game-changer for healthcare provision, all thanks to the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa,” he said.
He said that residents previously had to travel 23km to Musume Mission Hospital or 67km to Mnene Mission Hospital for healthcare services. “This new facility will be of immense benefit to the local community, covering Wards 17, 18, 23, 24, and 26. Access to healthcare is a key pillar in our pursuit of Vision 2030. I am extremely delighted by this landmark development spearheaded by our capable Government. I cannot thank the Second Republic under the stewardship of Dr ED Mnangagwa enough,” he said.
Mberengwa Rural District Council (RDC) Chief Executive Officer, Mr Thompson Maeresera, described the new hospital as a major milestone for the district.
“While we have primary healthcare centres in the district, Mataga Mini Hospital will significantly enhance access to services, especially for conditions that require referrals,” he said.
Mr Maeresera added that the hospital is well-equipped with modern medical technology, reducing the need for patient transfers to larger referral centres and saving travel costs.
“There will be a resident doctor on site, ensuring that patients requiring a doctor’s attention are attended to promptly. This will also reduce the burden on patients who previously travelled long distances to consult private practitioners outside the district. Surrounding clinics will be able to quickly refer patients with conditions needing a doctor, thus helping to save lives more efficiently,” he said.
The Second Republic launched the National Health Strategy (NHS) 2021–2025 as a deliberate move to improve the health and well-being of the population and to ensure eventual universal access to healthcare services.
