The Sunday News
Michael Magoronga, Midlands Correspondent
THE Government has availed $21 million to Kwekwe General Hospital for its general face uplift and completion of an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and High Dependency Unit (HBU) as part of efforts to revitalise the health sector.
The hospital has been refurbishing part of the male ward that was set aside for Covid-19 patients. Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro confirmed the development saying this was part of Government’s efforts to revamp the health system in the country. He said major works had been completed on the ICU and HDU units which has a carrying capacity of 18 patients.
“They have done the major refurbishment work and they are now left with installation of negative pressure pipes on both the ICU and the HDU,” said Dr Mangwiro.
He said part of the money will be used to purchase bedding and equipment for the hospital. Kwekwe General Hospital Medical Superintendent Dr Patricia Mapanda thanked Government for walking the talk saying the hospital was in dire need of a bailout.
“We are indeed grateful to Government for walking the talk, they promised and they delivered and certainly, nothing will stop us from completing the refurbishment exercise now,” she said.
In his speech soon after receiving his second jab of the Covid-19 vaccine at the institution recently, President Mnangagwa said Covid-19 pandemic has helped Government to realise the need to revamp the country’s health sector.
“Several health services have been upgraded, while others are under construction throughout the country. We started with central hospitals, now we have moved to provincial and district hospitals as we look to rehabilitate them and equip them well. The Covid-19 pandemic has come as a wake-up call and we jumped into action. Very soon we will also look to rehabilitate our pharmaceutical industry as we look for a total revamp of the health sector,” said President Mnangagwa.
Meanwhile, President Mnangagwa asked the hospital staff to compile a bill of quantities needed for the repairs of the institution’s mortuary after he pledged total support.
