Online Reporter
Paul Pindani in CHINHOYI
AUTHORITIES at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital fear they are sitting on a health time bomb due to the unavailability of water.
Speaking at the graduation of 99 nurses and Midwives at Chinhoyi Provincial Hospital on Friday, Medical Superintendent
Dr Collet Mawire said the hospital’s mission is to provide quality health services and promote general well- being of the people of Mashonaland West and beyond.
Mawire bemoaned the unavailability of water, which is a major challenge at the institution since municipal water is barely available.
“Efforts to liaise with the town council have been made to no avail, “ said Mawire.
He added: “The hospital has two boreholes which also struggle to supply the entire institution,” said Mawire.He said the boreholes produce “hard water”which requires softening through use of a water purification plant for it to be used in specialised departments such as theatre, renal unit, CSSD, laboratory and laundry.
Mawire said construction of a water purification plant and drilling of two boreholes is one key project which the health institute intends to implement before year end if PSIP funds are disbursed.
He said the water woes are also compounded by load shedding.
“Our hospital has no dedicated line and is therefore not spared from load shedding.
“We, However, expect our power challenges to improve once the solar backup plant is complete,” he said.
However, Mawire said the hospital had made notable strides in implementing a number of public sector investment projects since 2021.
“ The projects include establishment of an isolation ward, Oxygen and solar plant, installation of street lights, construction of oxygen storage unit, installation of industrial gas stoves and repair of plant equipment, “ said Mawire.
He said the hospital received a 40 kva solar plant and a 100 kva solar plant which is currently under construction with 80 percent completion.
Mawire said the hospital is in partnership with Chinhoyi University of Technology ( CUT ) and are currently in the process of establishing a School of Health Sciences and Technology such that it becomes a fully- fledged teaching hospital.Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Marian Chombo, said the graduation ceremony celebrates the culmination of years of dedication, hard work, and perseverance.
“These graduands have embarked on a noble journey to serve humanity, and I commend them for their commitment to this vital profession,” said Chombo.
She added:“Nursing is a calling that demands compassion, empathy, and a deep sense of responsibility,” said Chombo. She said nursing is a profession that is built on trust, and nurses play a critical role in providing care and comfort to those in need.
Stembiso Pfukani, who scooped six trophies told H- Metro, she never expected to bang the trophies.
“ I did not look forward to winning overwhelmingly, however, nursing its a calling and if you do your job happily you can be rewarded,” said Pfukani.
She added:“I want to thank health authorities for such a wonderful achievement. Havana kutarisa Kuti mwanasikana here. Vakangondigamuchira sezvandiri. Vakandikurudzira. Shamhu dzose dzavaindirova nadzo mibairo yacho yavakuoneka nhasi,” said Pfukani.
The hospital opened its doors to the public in 1996 and is the only health referral institution serving seven district hospitals in the province. It has a bed capacity of 425. It operates with a staff complement of 633 out of a staff establishment of 650.
The hospital has nine specialist doctors, 17 Government Medical Officers, 280 Registered General Nurses, 77 Midwives and 176 supporting staff.
Mathew Masinge