Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka, Zimpapers Politics Hub
SUBSTANTIAL milestones have been achieved in the health sector, with notable improvements in healthcare access, outcomes, and infrastructure development since the inception of the Second Republic led by President Mnangagwa.
A number of historic medical feats have been accomplished, in providing evidence of the country’s evolving medical capabilities and the transformation underway.
Across referral and provincial hospitals, teams of Zimbabwean doctors have successfully performed ground-breaking surgeries.
The success of these operations demonstrates the medical excellence that exists in the country’s health sector under the Second Republic. This high level of expertise persists, despite operational challenges and sanctions imposed on the country more than two decades ago, underscoring the dedication of local medical professionals.
Mpilo Central Hospital achieves record-breaking tumour removal
In what doctors have described as a medical milestone, a multidisciplinary team of surgeons at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo last year successfully removed a massive 50-kilogramme uterine tumour from Ms Melody Ndlovu, a 32-year-old woman from Mberengwa District.
This life-saving procedure, which lasted six hours, was hailed as one of the largest tumour removals ever performed at the referral institution.
For five years, Ms Ndlovu lived with the massive growth, which robbed her of mobility, dignity and hope.
What began as a small lump slowly turned into a life-altering ordeal.
Ms Ndlovu recalled her painful journey: “At first, I thought I was pregnant because I had missed my periods.
“I went to the hospital for a scan, but they didn’t find anything. Later, I was told it was fibroids.”
After the mass continued to grow, she arrived at Mpilo. Doctors discovered the tumour was deeply embedded and intertwined with vital organs, necessitating a complex, collaborative effort.
Dr Allan Ngulube, a specialist consultant in general surgery, highlighted the complexity.
“The tumour appeared to originate from gynaecological organs and was in contact with critical structures such as the ureters and intestines. We had to collaborate closely to avoid damaging vital organs and to control bleeding. It was a highly delicate operation.”
He proudly affirmed the capacity of the local team.
“We might face equipment challenges, but our doctors are dedicated and capable of handling complex cases.”
Consultant gynaecologist, Dr Elton Sengurai, also part of the team, added that he had never encountered a tumour of such magnitude in his career, noting, “It displaced her organs and pressed against her lungs and bowels. It required teamwork and precision to remove it safely.”
Neurosurgical advancements across the country
The Mpilo success story is not an isolated headline. Similar achievements are being recorded nationwide, signifying the growth of specialised care outside major metropolitan areas.
Gweru Provincial Hospital
A few days later, Gweru Provincial Hospital also achieved a historic milestone by successfully performing a complex neurosurgical procedure to remove a steel nail from a 75-year-old patient’s skull.
Mr Leviticus Chaurura, who was admitted with a penetrating head injury, underwent the delicate operation on 21 October 2025 and was discharged on October 28 in good spirits.
Gweru Provincial Hospital superintendent, Dr Fabian Mashingaidze, said: “There is a patient, Mr Leviticus Chaurura (75), who was admitted on 18 October.
“The diagnosis was a penetrating head injury caused by a steel nail. The extraction of the nail by a team of surgeons was done on 21 October.”
The deployment of a resident neurosurgeon, Dr Lawrence Hlatshwayo, has been a game-changer, enabling Gweru Provincial Hospital to perform surgeries previously referred to Bulawayo or Harare.
Dr Paketh described Mr Chaurura’s successful surgery as a “beacon of hope for the community, demonstrating that specialised medical care is now accessible closer to home.”
Chitungwiza Central Hospital
In another historic medical feat on October 5, 2025, a team of local neurosurgeons at the Chitungwiza Central Hospital successfully removed a brain tumour from an 11-year-old girl.
This complex procedure was the first of its kind at the institution, which only established its neurosurgery department two years ago.
Consultant neurosurgeon, Dr Brighton Valentine Nyamapfene, described the operation as a “historic milestone.”
“This was the first-ever resection of a brain tumour at Chitungwiza Central Hospital, and it was done on an 11-year-old child, who is also an athlete.”
He added, “With the help of my colleagues — anaesthetist Dr Tafara Zhou, assistant neurosurgeon Dr Panashe Mangozhe and Sister Milliet Wagoneka, who led the nursing staff, we successfully removed the tumour after a four- to six-hour operation.”
Chitungwiza Central Hospital’s chief medical officer, Dr Raphael Makota, hailed the operation as a giant leap forward for local healthcare delivery.
“About a year ago, the team did its first craniotomy to remove a blood clot, and now they have managed to remove a brain tumour. This is testimony that our institution continues to expand its range of services.”
These are high-level operations that people often travel to countries like India for, but now they are being done safely here in Zimbabwe.
“It is a huge confidence booster not only for Chitungwiza but for the nation,” he said.
Additional breakthrough surgeries
The wave of medical success extended to Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital, where in April 2025, a team led by Dr Prosper Kuwandoga successfully removed a rapidly growing 9,3kg tumour from a 34-year-old woman.
This operation marked a major milestone for the provincial hospital.
Dr Kuwandoga shared the immense relief felt upon completion, stating, “After a gruelling two hours, we were done and were happy that we had not had any surgical complications.”
He further detailed the challenging circumstances under which the team proceeded, noting that they had to proceed despite inadequate initial investigations and the patient’s rapidly deteriorating health.
He specifically recalled receiving approval to proceed, saying, “He gave us his blessings and we proceeded with the delicate surgery on this woman who was deteriorating and her anaemia had worsened with haemoglobin at eight out of the normal of around 13g/dl.”
This successful, high-stakes operation underscores the determination and capability of the medical teams operating in provincial centres.
Meanwhile, United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) also continued to solidify its reputation for handling critical trauma cases.
Late last year, doctors at UBH also successfully performed a four-hour life-saving surgery to remove a metal bar lodged in an accident victim’s abdomen, chest, and back, a highly complex procedure necessary after the victim was impaled and trapped in a vehicle.
This achievement followed another intricate surgery conducted in October of the previous year.
During that procedure, UBH doctors, in collaboration with colleagues from Mpilo Central Hospital, successfully saved the life of an artisanal miner who had suffered a gruesome injury: a spear thrust through his mouth that was lodged in his neck.
These repeated successes carried out across provincial and central hospitals, demonstrate the high level of surgical skill, expertise, and experience within Zimbabwe’s public health institutions, continually raising the flag high for local healthcare delivery, despite persistent operational and resource challenges.
They serve as concrete evidence of the Second Republic’s achievements in the health sector.
By enabling local doctors to perform intricate, life-saving surgeries, such as the massive tumour removal at Mpilo and complex neurosurgeries at Chitungwiza Central Hospital and Gweru Provincial Hospital, Zimbabwe is decisively demonstrating its inherent medical excellence.
This progress is particularly significant as it has been realised notwithstanding operational challenges within hospitals and the long-standing shadow of sanctions. The skill and dedication displayed by these surgical teams affirm the commitment to transforming public health services from within.
Crucially, this growing capacity immediately translates into tangible benefits for the average citizen.
The success of these highly specialised operations significantly reduces dependency on foreign hospitals, opening up access for more Zimbabweans to critical health services right here in the country.
For too long, thousands of Zimbabweans have had to travel to India, South Africa and other nations for procedures that should be routinely available at home, incurring massive financial and emotional costs.
By decentralising and executing complex surgeries locally, Zimbabwe’s health institutions are building confidence and ensuring that advanced, life-saving care is not only accessible but also affordable for a wider segment of the population.
