Partnerships way to go

Extra Reporter
Joint venture partnerships seem to be the way forward in reviving public health institutions. Over the years, the public health sector has largely relied on donor funding with over 90 percent of drugs coming from donors. Their operations are supposed to be financed from national budget grants. However, these grants have not been enough to cover drugs, fuel, food and infrastructure maintenance, among many other necessities at the institutions.
Although it is a rare occasion for a health institution to thrive under harsh economic conditions, Chitungwiza Central Hospital seems to be holding fort as it is exhibiting excellence in service delivery, even surpassing some private institutions.
Major areas that were improved at the institution through joint ventures include theatres, ophthalmology, renal, laboratory, radiology, training, pharmacy, dental, mortuary, the public coffee shop and confectionery.
The theatre department is equipped with the latest six anaesthetic machines, two diathermy plates, LED lights, four theatre beds and laparoscopy equipment.
Chitungwiza Central Hospital also works closely with stakeholders in the community that include church organisations, musicians and business people to raise funds for service provision.
The chief executive officer, Dr Obadiah Moyo, said these partnerships have enabled rehabilitation of most hospital sections that were dilapidated.
“While the hospital is supposed to benefit from the national budget funds, the health sector is underfunded. Hence the hospital resorted to operating in partnership with the private sector,” explained Dr Moyo.
“We always work outside the box. We just don’t sit back and wait for the Government to fund us, we won’t get tired of begging as long as it’s for our benefit.”