Government says it has started rolling out a nationwide hospital infrastructure rehabilitation programme, with parts of Matabeleland expected to benefit from targeted upgrades aimed at improving access to quality healthcare.
Health and Child Care depty minister, Sleiman Kwidini, said recent assessments conducted in Matabeleland North and South had exposed infrastructure gaps.
“Recent assessments, including those I conducted, together with the ones undertaken by the minister in Matabeleland North and Matabeleland South, have provided us with an appreciation of conditions on the ground,” said Kwidini in his presentation in Parliament.
“These visits have been instrumental in informing our priorities and ensuring that our interventions are responsive, targeted and results-oriented.”
The update came amid longstanding concerns over the state of health facilities in Matabeleland, where communities have often struggled with limited access to adequately equipped hospitals, particularly in rural districts.
Kwidini told Parliament that the government had now moved “decisively from assessment to implementation,” with a focus on practical interventions that improve patient care and working conditions for health personnel.
“In addition, targeted rehabilitation works are underway across district and provincial hospitals,” he said.
“These include the refurbishment of wards and theatres, roof repairs and the upgrade of water, sanitation and electrical systems.
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“The intention is to restore full functionality and improve the overall patient experience across the country.”
For Matabeleland, one of the key projects highlighted is Lupane Hospital, which is set to begin offering services starting with outpatient and maternity care.
“This will significantly improve access to healthcare in previously underserved areas,” Kwidini said.
The government is also addressing critical support systems within hospitals, including waste management and energy supply.
Rehabilitation and installation of incinerators at district hospitals is underway to ensure safe disposal of medical waste, while a solarisation programme has already powered over 1 100 health facilities nationwide.
In a bid to address staff shortages in outlying areas, Kwidini said the government is also investing in health worker accommodation and training infrastructure.
Improved living conditions are expected to help attract and retain skilled personnel in rural Matabeleland, where staffing gaps have often undermined service delivery.
“We are also revitalising health training infrastructure through the rehabilitation and reopening of nursing schools at selected district hospitals while also identifying new training sites,” Kwidini added.
