Trust Freddy-Herald Correspondent
THE installation of a new cancer treatment machine at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals is expected to be completed in three months, marking a major step towards restoring full radiotherapy services at the country’s largest referral institution.
This comes as extensive renovations and modernisation works at the 1 400-bed hospital near completion, with key units, including Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital and staff accommodation at advanced stages.
The rehabilitation work is being done under the Presidential Hospital Refurbishment Programme.
Special Advisor to the President on Monitoring Implementation of Government Programmes Dr Joram Gumbo confirmed the progress following a tour of the facility last week.
During the tour, Chinese experts could be seen working on a heavily shielded radiation therapy bunker that once housed the decommissioned radiotherapy units.
The bunker is specially designed to house linear accelerators and other radiotherapy machines used in cancer care.
“There is a marked difference from how it looked last time,” said Dr Gumbo.
“A lot of work is taking place. We have also visited other areas where we were shown where cancer machines are going to be installed for various medical treatments. We are definitely happy to see this progress.”
He said the upgrades were aimed at restoring confidence in the public health system and ensuring patients receive care in facilities that meet modern standards.
“These upgrades are not just about bricks and mortar, but reflect the Second Republic’s pledge to revitalise public health institutions across the country. They are about restoring confidence in our healthcare system and empowering professionals with the tools they need to save lives,” he said.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Health and Child Care Dr Aspect Maunganidze said the contractor had assured Government that all renovation works would be completed by August.
“In terms of Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, we have seen increased capacity from 220 beds. We are now looking at a potential 255 beds, with the possibility of expanding to over 300 beds. We are also increasing facilities such as theatres to three,” he said.
He added that overall progress on the maternity wing stood at around 50 percent, with the remaining work largely focused on installing equipment, furniture and lifts.
“Our estimates, as we have been told by the contractor, are that in August we should be finished,” said Dr Maunganidze.
Project briefings during the tour also indicated that refurbishment of Adlam House – the nurses’ residence – was now 95 percent complete.
While acknowledging that logistics for specialised medical equipment can sometimes cause delays, Dr Gumbo said contractors remained confident of meeting the August deadline.
Dr Gumbo was accompanied by Harare Metropolitan Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Charles Tavengwa and Dr Maunganidze
The post Radiotherapy boost at Parirenyatwa appeared first on herald.
The post Radiotherapy boost at Parirenyatwa appeared first on Zimbabwe Situation.