Story by John Nhandara
THE refurbishment of Adlam House nurses’ residence at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has been completed, marking another milestone under the Presidential Hospitals Refurbishment Programme aimed at improving healthcare infrastructure across Zimbabwe.
The upgraded facility, together with ongoing works at Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, is expected to improve accommodation for nursing students, expand training capacity and strengthen maternal health services at one of the country’s largest referral hospitals.
Beneficiaries say the developments are already improving living and learning conditions.
“We now have decent accommodation,” a student nurse said.
“Our facilities have doubled their capacity,” another beneficiary added.
A health worker at the institution said the maternity hospital upgrades would strengthen maternal healthcare delivery.
“For Mbuya Nehanda maternity home, this will strengthen maternal health at the institution,” the health worker said.
Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Douglas Mombeshora said the project aligns with government plans to expand the country’s healthcare workforce.
“It is an important milestone under the Presidential Hospitals Renovations Programme. Government has doubled accommodation and classroom space for student nurses. It speaks to the vision of doubling the health workforce by 2030,” he said.
Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Honourable Daniel Garwe commended the quality of work carried out at the institution.
“As project manager, we are impressed by the quality of work. This is a benchmark that we will replicate at health facilities across the country,” he said.
Harare Metropolitan Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Senator Charles Tawengwa said the renovations were improving conditions for healthcare workers and patients.
“Adlam House now offers safe and decent accommodation for healthcare workers. We have also witnessed the transformation of Parirenyatwa, Wilkins and Beatrice Infectious Diseases hospitals,” he said.
Chairperson of Prevail Group of Companies, Dr Paul Tungwarara whose company is implementing the project, said the works are part of broader efforts to modernise public health institutions.
“This is the first phase of the renovations. We are ready to partner with government to refurbish hospitals to world-class standards,” he said.
Government is also undertaking similar refurbishment works at Sally Mugabe Hospital in Harare and Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo as part of efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
