Sundaymail Editor
George Maponga in MASVINGO
THE Government continues to invest in the health sector, with Masvingo province now having over 230 health centres.
The health centres include those run by the Government, churches, private institutions and councils.
In an update on the state of health delivery in the province, the Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Dr Addmore Pazvakavambwa said the province is home to 13 secondary health institutions.
These institutions are headlined by Masvingo Provincial Hospital, the biggest health referral institution in the province.
“We have 231 health institutions in the province that cater for a population of 1,6 million people,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
“The average walking distance to the nearest health centre in the province is now about 8km and we keep on improving to reduce the walking distance as more facilities are built using devolution funding.
“The Second Republic has invested in more health facilities with also a target to reduce maternal mortality rate and new waiting mothers’ shelters have been built in areas like Chatikobo and Harava in Masvingo and Zaka districts, respectively.”
Dr Pazvakavambwa said the province also boasts 14 mission-run health institutions and 104 council-run clinics.
The construction of a Natpharm warehouse in Masvingo, he said, is a big boost for health delivery.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter