Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
MASVINGO Urban is set to improve maternal and child health services with the establishment of a new maternity wing at Runyararo Clinic, which is scheduled to begin operations next month.
There is a quiet sense of excitement in Runyararo suburb of Masvingo, following the establishment of a new maternity wing at Runyararo Clinic by the Masvingo City Council, a development expected to improve access to safe delivery services and help reduce maternal and infant mortality rates.
For many women, this new facility brings hope, relief, and the promise of safer births closer to home.
“We are happy that they are establishing this maternity wing here in Runyararo. We used to go to Mazorodze clinic or Masvingo General, and many times those centres would be full. The quality of this building shows that we will be receiving quality healthcare services, and we are happy that the wing will be open soon. With this development, the number of women giving birth at home will significantly decrease because the maternity clinic will be closed.”
The new maternity wing is set to significantly reduce congestion at existing facilities and restore dignity for expecting mothers.
“This facility will go a long way in decongesting other maternity centres in Masvingo. We have been experiencing high volumes, but this additional wing will improve efficiency and allow us to provide better quality care to expecting mothers,” Director of Health Services for the city of Masvingo, Ms Suzanne Madamombe said.
Masvingo Town Clerk Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa revealed that the project, worth US$55 000 is expected to open its doors to the public next month.
“As Masvingo City, we embarked on this project because we prioritise healthcare services. The project was funded through our internal revenue and the beer levy. Currently, we are in the process of acquiring the needed maternity equipment, and next month, the wing will be operating. Our goal is to turn our four clinics into polyclinics, and now we are working on Runyararo being the third one, and Rujeko will be the last one.”
Under the Second Republic, the health sector continues to witness notable developments, including the establishment of new clinics, hospitals and maternity facilities aimed at improving access to quality healthcare services.
