Story by Mhlomuli Ncube, Assistant News Editor
PROSPECTS for the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital are improving, as the Government, in partnership with the private sector, steps up efforts to restore the country’s largest mental health referral facility and establish a new drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centre.
Although conditions at the institution remain far from ideal, there is renewed optimism that meaningful transformation is within reach.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital plays a critical role in serving large populations at a time of evolving mental health challenges in the 21st century. However, ageing infrastructure continues to hamper service delivery.
“The hospital is very old, and its infrastructure is in a state of disrepair. We are looking at the buildings themselves, the walls, the roofs, which are leaking, and the ceilings are falling off. The plumbing system is also in a state of disrepair, and outside drains are also blocked. We have doors, which are very important to us for security; some areas do not have doors at all. They need replacement; others are not lockable, so there is no security for themselves, and when they get out in that acute state, they can either harm themselves or others,” Ingutsheni Central Hospital Public Relations Officer, Matron Vongai Chimbindi said.
Momentum for change is building following the launch of fundraising efforts aimed at rehabilitating the facility.
Vice President Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi, who is spearheading the initiative, described the fundraising drive as a crucial step towards restoring dignity and hope at the institution.
“As for the patients, the environment and facilities are disappointing. They lack the hope a hospital is expected to give. With the scourge of drug and substance abuse affecting our youth, Ingutsheni Central Hospital is overwhelmed by overcrowding. Your Excellency, what moved me the most was the unbreakable spirit of the patients and staff members.
“Despite the conditions, there is hope, strength and a common desire to improve things. Today we are here with a shared purpose to change that reality, to bring hope, dignity and vital change of Ingutsheni Central Hospital and across the field of mental health. The importance of facilities like Ingutsheni Central Hospital cannot be overstated. They are essential to the mental and physical well-being of many Zimbabweans, and they deserve our collective efforts to rebuild, improve and sustain services,” he said.
Authorities say leveraging existing resources will be key to transforming the institution into a modern centre for mental health care.
“Ingutsheni has vast land that can be used to construct a drug and substance rehabilitation centre,” Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Minister of State for Bulawayo Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Mr Paul Nyoni said.
The planned restoration and modernisation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital reflects the Second Republic’s commitment to strengthening public health care systems, tackling drug and substance abuse, and promoting a healthier nation.
