Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze, [email protected]
TWO mining companies have donated 91 complete hospital beds to Ingutsheni Central Hospital as part of efforts to support the mental health institution, which is struggling with rising demand for services.
How Mine and Namib Minerals said the donation was prompted by the mounting pressure on the hospital, which is operating beyond its carrying capacity amid increasing cases of mental health challenges linked to drug and substance abuse, particularly among young people.
How Mine manager Ophir Gwede said tackling mental health challenges requires a collective response from communities, families, businesses and the health sector.
“As How Mine, we believe strongly that a mine cannot thrive if the community around it is struggling. We acknowledge that our workforce comes from these communities, hence a healthy community helps create a healthy workforce,” he said.
The company also recently donated medical equipment to United Bulawayo Hospitals as part of its corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital clinical director Wellington Ranga, welcomed the donation, noting that How Mine has supported the institution for several years through various interventions, including water and sanitation projects.
“We understand that you do not benefit directly from donating to us, yet you continue to support the institution. We might even ask for more assistance in future and we believe you will continue extending similar gestures,” he said.
Dr Ranga said the hospital is caring for a significant number of patients whose relatives have abandoned them, adding to the institution’s strain.
“We have had situations where relatives of our patients do not return to check on them. Some only come when their relative passes away, due to a lack of understanding about mental health. There is a need for more resources to care for these patients and the support that comes from the community enables us to continue providing critical mental health services,” he said.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital says 90 percent of patients in the acute wards are admitted for alcohol and substance abuse, with more than 2 000 others presenting with the same problem at the outpatient department every month.
This has resulted in persistent overcrowding in the wards, with numbers rising despite the hospital discharging at least 40 patients every week.
The hospital has a carrying capacity of 708 beds but must accommodate acutely ill patients suffering from the effects of alcohol and substance abuse.
Drug abuse in Zimbabwe has worsened, partly due to the absence of dedicated rehabilitation centres, leaving many addicts at risk of relapsing even after treatment at Ingutsheni.
The drug and substance abuse crisis has since been elevated to a National Committee, bringing together multiple stakeholders as Government intensifies efforts to address the scourge.
In June 2021, President Mnangagwa declared war on drug dealers and set up an inter-ministerial taskforce to combat drug and substance abuse. Government is also rolling out outpatient psycho-social support centres to provide screening, counselling, awareness and prevention services for affected individuals and their families.
