Andile Tshuma Zimpapers Writer
PATIENTS at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo are a step closer to accessing improved healthcare services as the modernisation works on four wards in Block C have reached more than 90 percent completion, paving the way for the installation of state-of-the-art hospital furniture.
The upgrades are expected to greatly improve service delivery and working conditions for health professionals in line with Government’s Vision 2030.
Implemented under the Presidential Hospital Renovation Programme, the refurbishment is part of broader efforts to modernise public health infrastructure and strengthen the capacity of major referral hospitals to deliver quality healthcare.
During a tour of the facility yesterday, Mpilo Acting Director of Operations Mr Phineas Sithole said the major renovation works were nearing completion.
“We’re now at an advanced stage of the renovations, with well over 90 percent of the work completed. The major structural and internal improvements, including the floors, ceilings, painting and electrical rewiring, have been done, and we’re now looking forward to receiving the hospital furniture,” said Mr Sithole.
“The consignment is expected between this week and the next and we’re ready to wheel in the furniture, set it up and prepare the wards for use.
“This is an important stage because we want the completed facilities to be properly equipped and ready to serve patients.”
The arrival of the furniture will mark an important stage in preparing the refurbished wards for use, bringing together the upgraded infrastructure and modern fittings required for a functional hospital environment.
The new wards will have an average of 40 beds each, with partitions to provide patients with greater privacy during consultations, treatment and recovery.
The partitioning is expected to improve the patient experience by offering greater dignity in shared wards, where privacy can be a challenge, particularly when patients are undergoing examinations or receiving care.
Mr Sithole said the improvements were designed to provide a more suitable environment for both patients and medical personnel.
“When patients come to hospital, they should be able to receive treatment in an environment that is clean, comfortable and allows them a reasonable level of privacy. The partitions in the wards will help us improve that experience, while the modern fittings will contribute to a better working environment for our staff,” he said.
Mpilo Chief Executive Officer, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, said the renovations would be life-changing for people in the southern region as they will be able to access specialised and referral healthcare services.
“The modernisation of Mpilo is a major milestone for the people of this region. Our hospital serves patients from Bulawayo, Matabeleland North and South and many other areas, and improving our infrastructure means we’re creating a better environment in which to provide healthcare,” said Prof Ngwenya.
“The new furniture and fittings meet the required standards for modern public health facilities. We want patients to come here and receive treatment in an environment that respects their dignity, while our health professionals should have facilities that enable them to perform their duties effectively.”
Prof Ngwenya said the project was particularly significant because the hospital had not undergone major infrastructure upgrades since it was built.
“For a long time, our infrastructure has needed major attention. To see this scale of modernisation taking place during my time at the hospital is something I am very proud of.
“It is an important development not only for Mpilo as an institution, but also for the people who depend on us for healthcare,” he said.
Prof Ngwenya also commended the Government for the hospital renovations programme.
“We offer our sincere gratitude to President Mnangagwa, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the whole of Government for this project. This really takes us major strides further towards the attainment of universal health coverage and equitable health access as outlined by the President, and in our National Development Strategy 2,” said Prof Ngwenya.
The improvements are expected to strengthen the hospital’s ability to provide care in facilities that are more suited to the needs of patients and the professionals attending to them.
“Our patients should not have to travel unnecessarily long distances in search of quality services that can be provided at a properly equipped referral hospital.
“By improving our facilities and ensuring that they meet the required standards, we are strengthening our capacity to serve the people who come to us for treatment,” he said.
The refurbishment of Mpilo comes as the Government intensifies efforts to upgrade public health institutions under the Second Republic, with major hospitals being targeted for improvements in infrastructure, equipment and the general quality of services.
