Parirenyatwa – Renovation work has officially commenced at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, following a recent visit by President Emmerson Mnangagwa aimed at assessing conditions at public health facilities. The rehabilitation programme signals a renewed government commitment to improving Zimbabwe’s public healthcare infrastructure, which has long suffered from neglect, outdated equipment, and poor maintenance.
In an effort to monitor progress and highlight the government’s renewed focus on healthcare, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, and the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, toured the hospital complex this week. They were accompanied by Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health, Dr. Aspect Maunganidze, and his counterpart in the Ministry of Information, Mr. Nick Mangwana.
The ministers inspected several key areas where major upgrades are already underway, including Adlam House, the residence for student nurses, and Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, one of Zimbabwe’s busiest maternal health facilities.
Major Renovations Underway at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals Following Presidential Visit
Adlam House, which accommodates trainee nurses at Parirenyatwa, is currently undergoing a major overhaul. Years of wear and tear had left the building in a state of disrepair, with broken roofs, damaged ceilings and floors, a faulty water system, and a collapsing sewer network.
According to Health Minister Mombeshora, the extent of the damage necessitated urgent intervention. A contractor is already on site and working on the first block of the facility, with completion targeted for early September.
“We are starting with the most critical areas. The contractor has begun with the first block, and we are confident that by the beginning of September that section will be complete,” Mombeshora said.
He added that the government aims to transform the facility into a modern, world-class hospital equipped to handle complex medical procedures and offer dignified accommodation to health trainees.
“Our vision is to have a hospital that is not only functional but also comparable to the best in the world. We are working toward a modern, well-equipped facility that reflects the kind of healthcare Zimbabweans deserve.”
Renovation efforts have also extended to the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, which handles thousands of deliveries annually. The maternity unit, which has been operating under strained conditions for years, will benefit from infrastructure improvements and the acquisition of new medical equipment.
The improvements are part of a broader government plan to reduce maternal and neonatal mortality rates in Zimbabwe, which remain high compared to regional averages.
Dr. Muswere, who also addressed the media after the tour, underscored the significance of the renovations, stating that the work being done aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision for a better public health system.
“This is not a publicity stunt. These renovations are part of a long-term commitment by government to reform and modernise our health sector,” Muswere said. “The President’s visit wasn’t just symbolic; it was a catalyst for real action.”
The current renovations come amid mounting pressure from healthcare professionals and the general public, who have long called for improvements in the country’s ailing public health institutions. Many hospitals, including Parirenyatwa, have battled underfunding, staff shortages, and outdated infrastructure for decades.
Recent threats of strike action by nurses and other healthcare staff have further underlined the urgency for government-led intervention. Calls have intensified for authorities to not only improve infrastructure but also address working conditions, salaries, and the availability of essential medical supplies.
While the renovations at Parirenyatwa are seen as a positive step, health experts and activists warn that consistent, long-term investment and planning will be needed if real change is to be achieved.
For the staff and students at Parirenyatwa, the sight of construction teams and fresh coats of paint offers a glimmer of hope after years of neglect. Nurse trainees who live in Adlam House have expressed cautious optimism that their learning environment will soon be safer, cleaner, and more conducive to their professional development.
Dr. Mombeshora echoed this sentiment, urging all stakeholders to work together to restore public confidence in Zimbabwe’s healthcare system.
“The work we are doing now must not end here. We need to continue investing in healthcare infrastructure, in our personnel, and in our communities,” he said.
As renovations gather pace, the nation will be watching closely to see whether this project marks the beginning of sustained healthcare reform—or simply another short-term effort. For now, Parirenyatwa’s facelift offers a renewed sense of possibility, and a long-overdue step toward restoring Zimbabwe’s largest hospital to its former glory.
Source- Heraldonline
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