Bulawayo – Mpilo Central Hospital, the largest healthcare facility in Bulawayo and a key medical hub for Matabeleland North and South, the Midlands, and Masvingo provinces, is undergoing massive renovations as the Government pushes to modernize public health infrastructure in the southern region. These are the first major upgrades the hospital has seen since it opened its doors in 1958, signaling a historic step in transforming healthcare delivery in Zimbabwe.
The renovation project at Mpilo is part of a wider programme spearheaded by the Second Republic, aimed at overhauling provincial and district hospitals across the country. Following a similar initiative recently launched at the Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare, the Government’s plan involves upgrading infrastructure, installing modern equipment, and improving the supply of drugs and essential consumables. President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s philosophy of “leaving no one and no place behind” underpins this drive, ensuring that even provincial facilities receive attention comparable to national hospitals.
A visit to Mpilo by a local news crew revealed extensive activity on the ground. Contractors from Prevail International Group, who are leading the renovations, have stripped the “C” block of all fittings, doors, windows, tiles, and other accessories, preparing the space for modern installations. Similar work had commenced at Parirenyatwa in July, highlighting the Government’s strategic rollout of hospital upgrades across the country. The first phase of renovations at Mpilo is projected to be completed within three months, with subsequent phases to follow.
Massive Upgrades Underway at Mpilo Central Hospital to Modernize Health Services in Southern Zimbabwe
Speaking about the project, Professor Solwayo Ngwenya, Mpilo Central Hospital Clinical Director, emphasized the significance of the undertaking. “This planned development is quite a massive undertaking. It demonstrates how the Second Republic’s strategic planning is set to transform healthcare over the next few years. Every block will be completely refurbished, and when the work is done, we will have a new-look Mpilo,” he said.
Prof Ngwenya expressed optimism about the benefits the renovations will bring to patients. “Once completed, healthcare services will be significantly improved. We are really excited about these developments and look forward to a positive impact on the livelihoods of the people who rely on this hospital,” he added.
The upgrades come at a crucial time. Many of Mpilo’s 67-year-old buildings had become dilapidated, with issues ranging from roof leakages and cracked floors to broken windows. “Some sections of the hospital were no longer fit for purpose. We commend the Government for taking such a bold step to upgrade the buildings. This is the first massive renovation to be done since the hospital opened,” Prof Ngwenya said.
The Clinical Director highlighted that alongside infrastructural improvements, there is a need to instill a culture of responsibility among staff and patients. “Government is investing significant resources to renovate and upgrade infrastructure. We expect everyone to reciprocate by protecting the hospital’s property. These buildings and equipment belong to the people, and they must be treated with respect,” he stated.
Acting Operations Director Mr Phineas Sithole detailed how the hospital has managed the renovations while maintaining services. “We started evacuating wards on October 13 and relocated patients to other sections to allow for refurbishment. The exercise involves renovating the buildings and replacing all old fittings, ensuring the hospital emerges as an institution of choice for patients,” he explained.
Recent developments also include the acquisition of a state-of-the-art C-Arm machine, an advanced imaging device used during surgery to provide real-time X-ray visuals. This addition will allow surgeons to perform interventions with greater precision, marking a step forward in delivering modern, high-quality healthcare to patients in the region.
Hospital authorities noted that the renovations come at an opportune moment, given the age and condition of the facility. “The upgrades will solve long-standing problems such as leaking roofs, cracked floors, and broken windows. It was long overdue,” said Mr Sithole, emphasizing the need for staff and patients to safeguard the newly renovated infrastructure.
With these comprehensive renovations, Mpilo Central Hospital is poised to become a model of modern healthcare delivery in southern Zimbabwe, reflecting the Government’s commitment to improving the quality of medical services for all citizens, especially those in provincial areas. The project stands as a milestone in the ongoing efforts to modernize Zimbabwe’s public health sector, ensuring that facilities are better equipped to meet the needs of the population for decades to come.
Source-Herald
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