Bongani Ndlovu
Robin Muchetu, Health and Gender Editor
RENOVATIONS at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo are at an advanced stage with reports indicating that the project is now between 80 to 90 percent towards completion and will be commissioned by President Mnangagwa once it is finished.
Mpilo which is the second-largest central hospital in Zimbabwe and the largest referral hospital in the Southern Region was founded in 1958 with bed capacity of over 1 000 has been undergoing extensive refurbishment since last year — the first such upgrade since its establishment — under the Presidential Hospital Renovation Programme, which is being carried out by Prevail International Group.
In an interview on Friday during the commemoration of the International Day of the Midwife, at United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH), Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Kwidini told Sunday News that the work completed and the stages reached were impressive.
“We have observed renovations across the country, particularly at our central hospitals, which are being upgraded under the Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation Scheme. For example, we have seen progress at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where some sections have been completed and officially commissioned by President Mnangagwa. This demonstrates tangible progress.
“Regarding Mpilo Central Hospital, the project is at approximately 80–90 percent completion and we plan to invite our President to officially commission the new block,” he said.
Part of the work on the renovated block includes ward demarcations, installation of a central heating system—allowing patients to adjust the temperature to their preference — new nurses’ stations, tiling, painting, plumbing and more. Prevail International Group also installed modern, durable toilets, suitable for a facility that houses a large number of patients.
The renovations are a key pillar of the Government’s drive to modernise healthcare facilities nationwide under National Development Strategy 2. The affected block was stripped to the ground, with repairs and the installation of new fixtures giving the hospital a fresh, modern appearance that will aid patient recovery.
The hospital is also refurbishing its cancer unit, with two new state-of-the-art cancer machines procured by the Government through the Sugar Tax. This development will enable patients to receive treatment locally, significantly reducing the costs associated with care, which previously involved travelling to Harare or abroad.
Deputy Minister Kwidini emphasised that the renovations are being rolled out across the country to ensure all regions benefit from high-quality facilities and services.
“This initiative is not limited to Bulawayo and Harare. It will also extend to Masvingo, where significant renovations are planned under the Presidential Hospital Rehabilitation Programme. This programme covers all provinces to ensure we modernise and upgrade health institutions so that patients receive contemporary treatment without favour,” he said.
“Our President is committed to refurbishing all healthcare buildings. This includes not only large hospitals but also clinics and district hospitals, which are also undergoing extensive refurbishment as part of the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s efforts, supported by the President’s scheme. We commend our President for his dedication in strengthening and uplifting the health sector, which is vital for the needs of our people and for training purposes.”
He highlighted the advanced procedures now being performed in public hospitals, which exemplify the Second Republic’s commitment and President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of ensuring that no one and no place is left behind.
“There are surgical procedures that were previously performed abroad, these are now being carried out locally at facilities such as Parirenyatwa, United Bulawayo Hospitals and Mpilo Central Hospital. Our provincial hospitals are also performing well in these areas,” he added.
The deputy minister also spoke on developments at Lupane District Hospital in Matabeleland North Province, expressing concern over the slow progress despite a significant portion of the work being completed.
“Work is ongoing at Lupane Provincial Hospital and it should be incorporated into the Presidential Hospital Refurbishment Programme to ensure its completion. It has been a long time since the project was initiated,” he said.
“The contractors are on site, but the pace of work is disappointing. As a Ministry, we are not satisfied with the progress and want to ensure that the people of Matabeleland North receive the same quality services as those in Matabeleland South, Mashonaland East or other provinces with fully operational provincial hospitals,” he said.
He also indicated that with more effort from the contractors, the hospital could be opened in phases, with a target to complete the project by the end of this year or mid-2027.
“The matter is a serious one and has been escalated to the highest levels of government, and every effort is being made to ensure Lupane Hospital is completed. Something must happen soon,” he said. — @NyembeziMu
Online Reporter