Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
GOVERNMENT has completed the rehabilitation of Mpilo Central Hospital doctors’ quarters, which were affected by a series of fire incidences between 2018 and 2021.
Some doctors have already moved in whilst some are expected to move in this first week of May.
In May 2021, the government promised to rebuild three apartment buildings at Mpilo Central Hospital, which were destroyed by a series of fire incidences in 2018, 2019 and 2021.
Two years down the line, the promise has been fulfilled much to the delight of the doctors.
“I really want to thank our government first for giving us accommodation. As we know the previous accommodation was destroyed by fire and now it has been renovated. It’s really nice inside and it gives us the opportunity to be available whenever we are needed and it removes most of the challenges that we have been facing especially when we have to walk to work. As new doctors we are having some challenges here and there, but this initiative by the government to give us accommodation it’s really good,” said a Medical Doctor, Andrew Manjemu.
Another Medical Doctor, Dr Livison Gudo said, “We want to thank the government for delivering on their promise. It’s a good thing that we stay on sight because it’s easier for us especially when we are on call the patients will get immediate service because we will be on sight. And also these are nice facilities and also we don’t share.”
The Chief Medical Officer for Mpilo Central Hospital, Dr Narcisious Dzvanga commended the government for fulfilling its promise.
“I am grateful that the government managed to assist us to renovate the burnt structure and we are expecting that all the renovated structures will be occupied by the end of this week. As you saw for yourself some doctors have already occupied part of the renovated flats. I hope the occupants will look after the premises well,” he said.
As part of its efforts to guarantee quality services and welfare for its healthcare workers, the government is also in the process of constructing another four-storey accommodation quarters for the doctors at Mpilo.
The hospital management has also written a petition to the Ministry of Health and Child Care to repurpose one of the structures at the hospital grounds, which was supposed to be a mortuary and have it turned into staff quarters.
Housing is part of non-monetary incentives introduced by the government to cushion its workforce countrywide.
