MPILO Central Hospital in Bulawayo, one of the major referral hospitals in Zimbabwe, is falling apart amid calls for the corporate sector to help restore it to its former glory. Report by Blondie Ndebele
About $7 million is needed to revive the 600-bed institution.
This was revealed during a tour of the hospital on Wednesday by the health institution’s management and the Mpilo Resource Mobilisation Committee.
It was revealed that most of the hospital facilities and equipment were either malfunctioning or totally dilapidated.
The three Ward B theatres were closed in 2011 and have not been repaired to date.
Authorities said about $1 million was needed to refurbish the theatres which need sterilisers, theatre doors, walls and door tiling, among other requirements.
Most roofs at the hospital leak when it rains and need urgent attention as they are collapsing.
Equipment and machinery, especially in the storeroom, has been destroyed by water because of leaking roofs.
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The hospital only has 40 pairs of bed sheets for the 600 beds.
There is only one elevator “working” which constantly breaks down, according to hospital authorities.
In the laundry room, the Voss machine broke down a long time ago and there are only two working washing machines.
Mpilo Hospital chief executive officer Lawrence Mantiziba said the “current state of the hospital does not meet the basic standards expected of a health institution”, and called on other players to come in and assist the government.
“That cannot be done by the government alone,” he said.
“All the institutions and individuals should join the board to rebuild this institution.
“We want total rehabilitation so that we get recognition from the International Standards Organisation.
“The situation is very pathetic and we need to sink in a lot of resources.
“This is not the time to keep writing challenges, reports, volume by volume,” Mantaziba added.
“We need to find the way forward and complement the ministry (of Health and Child Welfare).”
The hospital services Matabeleland North and South, Midlands, Bulawayo and Masvingo provinces.
