Story by Mhlomuli Ncube
HWANGE Colliery Company, through its medical arm, the Hwange Medical Company, has announced plans to develop a state-of-the-art Oncology/Cancer Centre of Excellence in the coal-mining town.
The announcement was made this Friday during the institution’s nurses’ graduation ceremony.
Despite the rain-soaked weather, the atmosphere remained celebratory as 36 nurses graduated and expressed joy at achieving this important milestone.
“I am happy that I will now contribute to national health in my country. It was not an easy road, but here I am today, a fully qualified nurse. This means a lot to me; it is also a calling,” a graduate said.
Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nairos Deredzai, revealed that as the institution continues to strengthen its role in health service delivery, Phase 1 of a new Oncology Centre will be rolled out next week, with the facility expected to serve patients locally, regionally and beyond.
“We are looking forward to an exciting mega project that will serve not only Zimbabweans but the region and beyond, the Oncology/Cancer Centre of Excellence (A foreign-based Consortium is expected to land in Zimbabwe next week for Phase 1 implementation),” he said.
“We take pride in the role our hospital and nursing school continue to play in strengthening healthcare delivery in this region and beyond. The institution has, for many years, been a cradle of producing professionals who serve not only our company and district but also the nation at large. This aligns with our broader vision as a company that values people, safety, and community wellbeing as integral parts of our sustainability goals and excellence,” the Managing Director Hwange Colliery Company, Engineer William Gambiza said.
Hwange Colliery Company executives highlighted the growing impact of the institution’s health facilities and nursing school in strengthening healthcare delivery across Matabeleland North.
“I was once a doctor here, and there is a very big difference now. They are now sophisticated, well-equipped and in a position to deliver world-class services,” Health Practitioner, Dr George Bryn Makoni said.
The Colliery Company has set a two-year timeline to deliver the proposed Oncology Centre to the public. The project, set to be the first of its kind in Matabeleland North, will be implemented in four phases.
