Andile Tshuma, Zimpapers Writer
THE modernisation of Mpilo Central Hospital’s Block C has entered an advanced stage, with more than 90 percent of renovation works complete and the institution preparing to install modern hospital furniture in a development expected to improve patient care and working conditions for health professionals.
The refurbishment, being undertaken under the Government’s hospital renovation programme, is part of broader efforts to modernise public health infrastructure and strengthen the capacity of major referral hospitals to deliver quality healthcare.
For Mpilo, which serves Bulawayo and receives patients from across the southern region and beyond, the project is a significant step towards creating a more comfortable and dignified environment for patients while providing health workers with improved facilities.
During a tour of the facility, Mpilo Acting Director of Operations Mr Phineas Sithole said the major renovation works were nearing completion, with painting, ceiling installations, flooring and electrical rewiring among the improvements already undertaken.
He said the hospital was expecting a consignment of modern hospital furniture between this week and next week and was ready to receive and install the equipment.
Leading the tour, Mpilo Chief Executive Officer Professor Solwayo Ngwenya said the development would be life-changing for people in the southern region by improving the environment in which they access specialised and referral healthcare services.
He said the modernised infrastructure, furniture and fittings would help create a better treatment environment and meet the required standards for public health facilities.
“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 are creating a better environment in which to provide healthcare,” said Professor 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.”
Professor Ngwenya said the project was particularly significant because the hospital had not undergone major infrastructure upgrades since it was built.
He said he was proud that the transformation was taking place during his tenure as head of the institution, describing the works as an important milestone for Mpilo and the communities that depend on its services.
“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.
Professor Ngwenya commended the Government for the hospital renovation 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 Professor Ngwenya.
The improvements are expected to strengthen the hospital’s capacity to provide care in facilities better suited to the needs of patients and healthcare professionals.
Mpilo is a major referral hospital for Bulawayo and surrounding provinces. Its infrastructure is therefore important to the wider public healthcare system, as patients referred to the institution often require specialised services that may not be readily available at smaller health facilities.
