Story by Lisa Masuku-Kurira
THE Government has expressed its approval of the ongoing efforts to transform Ekusileni Medical Centre in Bulawayo into a specialist training institution for medical professionals.
Originally envisioned by the late Vice President, Dr Joshua Nkomo, Ekusileni Medical Centre has now officially been handed over to the National University of Science and Technology (NUST) for its redevelopment into a specialist medical training and research facility.
On Wednesday, the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Innovation, Science and Technology Development, Ambassador Fredrick Shava, visited the facility and received a briefing on the ongoing work aimed at transforming the centre.
“The Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Ekusileni Medical Centre is a major step in the right direction for us. We will be able to perform medical miracles here locally. This step is a major boost to us as NUST and the medical fraternity as a whole,” NUST Vice-Chancellor, Professor Mqhele Dlodlo said.
Ambassador Shava reiterated the importance of the project, highlighting its potential to promote medical research and tourism in Zimbabwe.
“The transformation of this centre into a specialist training institution will give NUST an opportunity to promote medical tourism. This transformation should be completed by the end of this year,” Ambassador Fredrick Shava said.
Ekusileni Medical Centre was officially opened in 2021, and its transformation is expected to promote research and training of medical experts at a time when the country is seeking to ensure innovation-based development.
In line with the Education 5.0 model, local institutions of higher and tertiary education are investing in such facilities as innovation hubs, DNA and medical health centres, and NUST will be no exception in light of the works to transform Ekusileni Medical Centre.
