Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa
Herald Reporter
OLD Mutual Zimbabwe and partners have handed over five newly furnished doctors’ call rooms at Sally Mugabe Central Hospital, a move aimed at improving working conditions for healthcare workers who provide round-the-clock care for children.
They also donated beds, desks, linen, kitchenware and other amenities, underscoring the company’s commitment to community well-being and sustainable development.
Speaking at the handover ceremony in Harare yesterday, Old Mutual Marketing, Public Affairs and Sustainability Executive, Ms Lillian Mbayiwa, said despite working long night shifts to care for children, doctors lacked proper rest facilities, forcing them to sleep on patients’ beds or outside the hospital.
“We learnt that Harare Children’s Hospital operates with seven wards and 240 beds, and while much of the facility has been recently renovated, one important area had remained untouched that is the doctors’ call rooms.
“We were also moved to learn that, during night shifts usually five doctors are on call, caring for young patients and ensuring that every child receives the attention they need,” said Ms Mbayiwa.
Sally Mugabe Central Clinical Director Dr Harunavamwe Notburg Chifamba hailed the kind gesture.
“We sincerely appreciate the generous support from Old Mutual, National Carpets, and the Rotary Club, whose contribution has enabled the refurbishment of our doctors’ call rooms, providing a comfortable space for rest between shifts.
“This initiative will not only enhance the well-being of our medical staff, but is also expected to boost morale and motivation as they continue their dedicated service,”he said.
The initiative follows an appeal by the Rotary Club of Harare West in 2023, which sought private sector support to renovate the hospital’s call rooms.
In this regard, Rotary Club of Harare West President Professor Felicity Gumbo said high infant mortality, especially among newborns, places immense pressure on healthcare workers.
“The hospital is losing many children, particularly newborns under 28 days and infants under one year, which places immense pressure on our healthcare workers.
“That is why we chose Sally Mugabe Hospital to ensure doctors receive the community’s appreciation and support for their welfare,”said Professor Gumbo.
This intervention highlights the growing role of corporate–civic partnerships in strengthening Zimbabwe’s health sector, ensuring that doctors have safe and dignified spaces to rest between demanding shifts.
