A MULTI-MILLION DOLLAR medical centre has been established in Victoria Falls by Premier Services Medical Investments (PSMI) as the private sector moves in to complement government efforts to prepare for the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO) General Assembly in August.
Report by Richard Muponde Senior Reporter
Speaking to journalists last week Ministry of Transport, Communication and Infrastructure Development permanent secretary Munesu Munodawafa, who is also the chairperson of the committee on infrastructure and development for the UNWTO conference, said private players had an important role to play in preparations for the international tourism indaba.
“Medical facilities in Victoria Falls were established on the emphasis that it is not the government alone which should provide the services, but through the public private sector participation,” he said.
“This has seen PSMI establish a multi- million dollar hospital in the resort town equipped with the state-of-the-art medical equipment. They are also other providers such as CityMed and MARS who are ready to move patients in the unlikely event that we encounter serious cases of illness.
“These services will include even flying patients to regional destinations.”
Munodawafa said besides sound medical facilities in place, he was also impressed with the standards of hotels with many of them having embarked on renovations to upgrade their services. Among the hotels,which have taken a lead in reconstructing and upgrading their facilities is Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Elephant Hills hotel.
UNWTO head of the inspectorate team Munir Raes has said Elephant Hills, the venue of the conference, had adequate capacity to take care of all their needs during the course of the international tourism indaba scheduled for August, where more than 3 000 delegates are expected to attend.
