In a bid to bolster universal health coverage, the Zimbabwean government has earmarked the repair of cancer radiotherapy machines at Mpilo Central Hospital as a top priority.
The Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care recently conducted a site visit to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo, the country’s second largest referral health institution, to assess the state of affairs.
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During the visit, attention was drawn to the challenges facing the hospital’s Radiotherapy department, particularly the state of the radiotherapy machines and power supply.
The committee learned that the machines have been out of commission since 2021, awaiting the installation of an Uninterrupted Power Supply (UPS) system to ensure consistent power and prevent damage to the sensitive equipment.
The non-functional machines have significantly impacted service delivery, causing hardships for patients seeking cancer treatment.
The Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health and Child Care, Honourable Daniel Fortune Molokele, emphasised the importance of addressing these challenges promptly.
“What is the point of having a hospital such as Mpilo if there are no machines working?” he questioned.
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The committee also highlighted concerns regarding staff shortages and centralised deployment systems.
Honourable Molokele stressed the need for decentralisation to empower local health institutions and improve staff deployment efficiency.
Despite these challenges, Mpilo Central Hospital recently acquired a new MRI Scan machine, a vital diagnostic tool serving the entire southern region of the country.
Dr. Narcisius Dzvanga, Chief Medical Officer at Mpilo Central Hospital, underscored the importance of local expertise in maintaining modern equipment.
He advocated for training programs for biomedical technicians at local universities to reduce reliance on external service providers.
The committee’s visit to Mpilo Central Hospital underscores the government’s commitment to improving healthcare service delivery.
The findings from the visit are expected to inform future policy decisions as Zimbabwe strives towards universal health coverage by 2030.
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As the government and healthcare stakeholders work collaboratively to address these challenges, there is renewed hope for Mpilo Central Hospital and the communities it serves.
With a concerted effort, the vision of accessible and quality healthcare for all Zimbabweans may soon become a reality.
