Story by Josephine Mugiyo, Diplomatic Correspondent
PRESIDENT Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa has reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to transforming Ingutsheni Central Hospital into a centre of excellence for mental health services in Zimbabwe.
He made the remarks at a fundraising event held for the institution in Bulawayo this Friday.
Established in 1908, Ingutsheni Central Hospital is a key referral facility for mental health services in the southern region and continues to play a vital role in patient care. However, the institution is grappling with a range of challenges and requires extensive refurbishment.
President Dr Mnangagwa toured the facility to appreciate the scope of works needed, accompanied by Vice President Colonel (Retired) Dr Kembo Mohadi, before proceeding to the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds for the fundraising luncheon.
Addressing delegates, the President outlined his administration’s broader efforts to strengthen the country’s healthcare system.
“Administration continues to deploy multi-pronged efforts towards universal access to quality, affordable, and comprehensive health services. Of critical importance in this regard are robust public health institutions with modern infrastructure, supported by domestic resource mobilisation, innovation and the local manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies,” he said.
Reflecting on the institution’s history, President Dr Mnangagwa said Ingutsheni remains a beacon of hope for mental health patients despite its challenges.
“Ingutsheni Central Hospital, one of the most important mental health institutions in our country, has served generations of Zimbabweans. For over a century, this institution has remained a place of hope and healing for many of our citizens who require specialised mental health services. However, like many institutions established during the colonial era, Ingutsheni has its own history. Alongside the difficulties of segregated care, the institution was occasionally misused by the settler colonial administration,” he said.
The President highlighted the growing burden of mental health challenges, particularly those linked to drug and substance abuse among youths.
“One of the most significant factors in this challenge is the increasing problem of drug and substance abuse, especially among our youth, which has become a major public health issue in our country. I am informed that a considerable number of admissions to acute psychiatric wards at Ingutsheni Central Hospital are related to alcohol and drug-related conditions. In response to this challenge, my Administration established the National Committee on Drug and Substance Abuse.
“The Committee is implementing a Whole-of-Government and Society Approach aimed at prevention, treatment, rehabilitation and reintegration of those affected by drug and substance abuse. Within this framework, my government has prioritised the establishment and strengthening of treatment and rehabilitation centres nationwide, including upgrading existing institutions such as Ingutsheni Central Hospital,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa said the transformation of the institution will require collective effort, with Government calling on the private sector and development partners to support the initiative.
“The transformation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital requires a comprehensive programme of refurbishment, modernisation and capacity-building. We aim to remodel the facility to become a centre of excellence for mental health services in Zimbabwe, in line with our National Development Strategy 2 and Vision 2030. To undertake the required overhaul, Government is appealing for the participation, support and generosity of all sectors of our society.
“I, therefore, invite captains of industry and commerce, corporate leaders, development partners and well-wishers to come on board and collaborate with Government in the noble cause to revitalise Ingutsheni Central Hospital,” he said.
President Dr Mnangagwa pledged US$1 million towards the refurbishment of the hospital.
The business community, drawn from within and outside Bulawayo, also contributed significantly, raising over US$2 million, alongside goods and services pledged in kind.
