Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
THE Government is stepping up efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s largest referral health institution, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, with extensive renovations currently underway.
The overhaul follows a recent visit by President Emmerson Mnangagwa, during which he emphasised the urgency of revitalising the country’s health facilities.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora, led a high-level ministerial tour of the ongoing works at Parirenyatwa Hospital this Wednesday.
He was accompanied by Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Jenfan Muswere, Permanent Secretary for Information, Mr Nick Mangwana, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care, Honourable Sleiman Kwidini, and Permanent Secretary for Health, Dr Aspect Maunganidze.
Dr Mombeshora revealed that renovations are already in progress at two key sites within the hospital.
“We are currently undertaking renovations in two areas. The first is Adlam House, the nurses’ accommodation facility, which had severe damage from the roof to the sewer and water systems. The contractor has repaired the roof and ceilings, laid new floors, installed water tanks and boreholes for each block, and is now fitting new cupboards and solar systems to ensure reliable power backup,” said Dr Mombeshora.
He added that one of the two blocks under renovation at Adlam House is expected to be completed by the beginning of September.
The team also inspected Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, which is due for full-scale rehabilitation. Preparatory work is already underway, including the relocation of patients and medical equipment.
“At Mbuya Nehanda, not much work has started yet, but we are in the process of clearing the facility to begin renovations. Patients and equipment are being moved to prevent damage from dust and construction. This marks the beginning of a transformation that will eventually reach the main hospital. The main block will be refurbished in phases since we cannot afford to shut it down entirely,” explained Dr Mombeshora.
He further highlighted that the ultimate objective is to transform the institution into a modern facility, fully equipped with new theatre equipment, beds, X-ray machines, and CT scanners.
“We aim to deliver a world-class hospital. All necessary equipment must be functional by the time we complete this upgrade,” he said.
The renovation initiative forms part of the Government’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030 goals, which prioritise improving health infrastructure and ensuring accessible, high-quality public healthcare services for all Zimbabweans.
