Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
THE Governor continues to record milestones in health delivery, with the health institutions solar programme and construction of the Mutare Natpharm warehouse among recent developments.
Speaking during the tour of the recently constructed pharmaceutical warehouse in Mutare and the solar for health initiative at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital, the Secretary for Presidential Affairs and Devolution in the Office of the President and Cabinet, Engineer Tafadzwa Muguti revealed that the two projects are set to transform health delivery in Manicaland Province.
“We are happy to note that the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) together with the Ministry of Health implemented 1073 solarisation projects across the country’s health institutions. Unfortunately, about 376 solar panels have already been stolen.
“We are going around the country noticing projects that we think are worth to be commissioned by His Excellence. This solar project has saved government thousands of dollars in terms of power. We have also seen Natpharm Warehouse which is the second largest in the country and is ready for commissioning by His Excellence soon.”
UNDP, which partnered government in implementing the projects is very happy with the achievements and pledged to continue working closely with the government to improve health delivery among other areas of cooperation.
“We have come to see progress on the solarisation and Natpharm Warehouse projects. Groundwork is being done in preparation for the commissioning of these projects,” UNDP Resident Coordinator Dr Ayodele Odosula noted.
“The Solar for Health Programme is covering 1073 health facilities led by the government with support from UNDP and Global Fund. Out of the 1073 solarised health facilities, 192 of them are in Manicaland.”
Manicaland Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza says the positive developments within the health sector speak volumes to the able leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa.
“The issue of solar energy has taken us as Manicaland to another level. We have health facilities that have been solarised and here at Victoria Chitepo Provincial Hospital this project is producing 140 kilowatts and at Mutambara, there is a 150-kilowatt project,” Advocate Mugadza said.
“Of the 35 hospitals that we have in Manicaland, 33 of them are running on 40 kilowatts. Over 100 are running on 5 killowatts and these include the 214 clinics we have in the province. We are very thankful for President Mnangagwa who is spearheading such developments including the Natpham Warehouse housing medication valued at US$18 million.”
Apart from the aforementioned projects, Manicaland has also witnessed accelerated construction of health facilities across the province, with Runyararo Hospital in Chimanimani and Nzvimbe Clinic in Makoni, among the recently constructed facilities.
