Online Reporter
Robin Muchetu, [email protected]
RENOVATIONS at Mpilo Central Hospital under the Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation Programme are now about 75 percent complete, marking significant progress in the Government’s drive to modernise public health institutions.
Mpilo Central Hospital, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Hospital, among others, in both urban and rural areas, are key beneficiaries of the upgrade programme meant to boost service delivery and restore quality health services.
The turning point came in June 2025 when President Mnangagwa conducted an impromptu visit to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital and immediately directed the commencement of corrective action.
Analysts have said the Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation Programme not only reflects the Second Republic’s conviction on prioritising national health but situates healthcare modernisation as a core pillar of national transformation, inseparable from economic growth, human capital development and social justice.
Speaking after touring the hospital last Friday, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Sleiman Kwidini, said the Government was satisfied with the pace and quality of the work being undertaken at Mpilo.
“As Government we are happy with the work that is being done. The contractor under the Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation Programme is on site to make sure that the modernisation of our hospitals is under way. This block is about 75 to 80 percent complete,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kwidini said if progress continues at the current pace, finishing touches on the building could be completed by April, after which patients will be moved into the refurbished block while work shifts to another section.
He said the project reflects the Government’s commitment to modernising the health sector in line with technological developments.
“Our President does not want projects that take too long to complete. We have come to witness that here.
“If the contractor continues at this pace, by the end of the year, Mpilo Central Hospital will be a new look hospital,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
He added that the hospital will also receive new cancer treatment machines to improve specialised healthcare services for patients from the Matabeleland region.
“We are putting in new cancer machines that will be used in the Matabeleland region while we are in the process of acquiring more equipment, but we cannot install modern machines in old buildings,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
He commended contractor, Prevail International Group, for the progress made and dedication towards completing the project on schedule.
“They are almost done here and will move on to Sally Mugabe Central Hospital. With this speed, the vision of our President will come to fruition, and the National Development Strategy 2 is being implemented,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
Addressing reports of vandalism of hospital infrastructure at the institution in recent weeks, Deputy Minister Kwidini warned staff against damaging property.
“We heard stories of members of staff vandalising property here. If you vandalise where you are working from, where you spend most of your time, that is not good.
“If we find a worker with that mentality, he or she will be charged,” he said.
Project supervisor at Prevail International Group, Mr Marshall Rusike, briefed the Deputy Minister on the progress made so far.
“Our job is to refurbish and modernise the hospital. So far, we have changed all the ward demarcations and installed a central heating system where each patient will be able to adjust the temperature to suit themselves,” he said.
Mr Rusike said the renovations also include modern and durable toilets, including facilities designed to accommodate persons with disabilities who use wheelchairs.
He added that the project is also creating employment for local residents.
“Out of the 130 people employed, about 95 percent are from the local community. We expect to employ more as work continues,” he said.
Acting director of operations at Mpilo Central Hospital, Mr Phineas Sithole, said hospital management is satisfied with the quality of the work being done.
“We went into the wards and saw the work in progress and we are impressed. A heat, ventilation and cooling system has been installed together with durable tiles which will help minimise cross-infections,” he said.
Mr Sithole added that the renovations also include improved staff facilities, including a kitchen area where staff can conveniently have their meals close to their workspaces.
