Andrew
Online Reporter
HARARE City Council has started reopening both satellite and polyclinics that had closed over the past two years due to the exodus of nursing staff.
Since 2020, 219 nurses have resigned, as they are being lured by foreign countries whose health systems have been strained by the coronavirus pandemic.
However, as of March 18, City of Harare had recruited 160 nurses to fill in vacant posts.
To date, Kuwadzana Polyclinic, Mabvuku Enhanced Polyclinic and Highlands Satellite Clinic, among others, have either reopened or are in the process of reopening.
In an interview with The Sunday Mail, director of health services for the Harare City Council, Dr Prosper Chonzi, said the local authority is working with various partners to refurbish the health facilities.
“The decision to close the clinics and consolidate services at fewer clinics, especially polyclinics located mainly in the high-density suburbs, bought us time to reopen.
“Kuwadzana Polyclinic maternity wing was refurbished and reopened to residents last month. Highlands Satellite Clinic was renovated and extended and also reopened at the beginning of the month, while at other facilities like Chitubu in Glen Norah, work is still in progress.”
Works at Chitubu are expected to be completed later this year.
At other clinics, the council has completed a comprehensive assessment of required repairs and efforts are underway to mobilise resources.
Dr Chonzi said Mabvuku Enhanced Polyclinic remains the city’s flagship clinic, and represents the future of urban primary healthcare, where comprehensive secondary-level care, such as an operating theatre, is offered.
“This is a first in the country and probably in the region, and there are plans to replicate the model at three other polyclinics. The caesarean section at the clinic has since resumed after they were stopped a year ago,” he explained.
Responding to allegations of corrupt practices at some of the council clinics, Dr Chonzi said:
“The Harare City Council has since roped in auditors to investigate corruption. They have also increased the presence of supervisors at their facilities as a way to curb the rot.”
Online Reporter