Story by Mercy Bofu-Matinha
A fully furnished mothers’ waiting shelter has been commissioned at Mutero Mission Hospital in Gutu Central, in a move aimed at improving maternal healthcare access for women in rural communities.
The facility, officially opened on Saturday, is expected to reduce risks associated with long-distance travel during pregnancy and curb home deliveries by providing accommodation for expectant mothers awaiting childbirth.
Community members welcomed the development, saying the shelter would improve access to safe maternal healthcare services.
“We want to thank President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa and our Member of Parliament Honourable Winston Chitando for supporting the construction of a mothers’ waiting shelter at this institution. This project has brought relief to pregnant women who used to travel long distances while in labour,” a community member said.
Residents also hailed the installation of a scanning machine at the hospital, saying it would reduce the need to travel to Gutu, Masvingo or Chivhu for maternity-related diagnostic services.
“Apart from the mothers’ waiting shelter, we are happy that the hospital received a scanning machine which will assist in monitoring unborn babies. We used to travel long distances for such services,” another resident said.
ZANU PF Politburo member and Minister of State for National Security, Honourable Lovemore Matuke who officiated at the event, said the Second Republic remained focused on strengthening healthcare systems through infrastructure development and improved service delivery.
“Today, we are witnessing the fruits of our government’s commitment that no one and no place will be left behind. This shows that communities are gaining access to quality healthcare services through infrastructure development and health interventions,” he said.
Gutu Central legislator Honourable Winston Chitando who spearheaded the project, said the shelter was established after recognising the challenges faced by women travelling long distances to access maternity services.
“We decided to establish a mothers’ waiting shelter after realising that many women come from far to seek services. Improved health facilities are key towards achieving Vision 2030 as they ensure better service delivery and improved livelihoods,” he said.
Government is rolling out maternal healthcare programmes countrywide through the construction of health infrastructure, deployment of equipment and decentralisation of healthcare services to underserved communities.
