Story by John Nhandara
GOVERNMENT is stepping up efforts to modernise public health infrastructure, with Sally Mugabe Central Hospital undergoing extensive refurbishment under the Presidential Hospitals Refurbishment Programme.
The project focuses on the strategic renovation and repurposing of a former rehabilitation centre within the hospital complex into a multidisciplinary medical facility aimed at expanding specialised care services.
Once completed, the upgraded facility will house four key departments, including a Foetal Maternity Unit, a Kangaroo Mother Care centre for premature infants, a Family Support Clinic and an Ophthalmology Clinic. The expansion is intended to strengthen maternal, neonatal and specialist services at one of the country’s largest referral hospitals.
Director of Operations at the hospital, Ms Precious Chipangura, confirms that the new units will enhance pregnancy monitoring and neonatal care while providing broader support services for families.
“We will have a foetal maternity unit for pregnancy monitoring. A kangaroo centre for premature babies, a family support clinic and an ophthalmology clinic.”
Construction works are already underway, with contractors on site carrying out structural upgrades. According to site manager Engineer Tafadzwa Kavaza, the rehabilitation includes flooring, painting and essential infrastructure improvements.
“We have started rehabilitating this structure. The scope of work includes putting porcelain tiles and epoxy. Repainting of walls, both interior and exterior. Revamping the sewer and water system to ensure the building is fit for its intended purpose.”
A similar refurbishment programme is ongoing at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where the institution’s Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital and Adlam House Nurses’ residence are being rehabilitated.
