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‘Enter into private partnerships to beat funding challenges’

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Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH) chief executive officer, Obadiah Moyo has urged local health institutions facing crippling funding challenges to adopt the joint venture business model successfully implemented by his institution.

Chitungwiza Central Hospital (CCH) chief executive officer, Obadiah Moyo has urged local health institutions facing crippling funding challenges to adopt the joint venture business model successfully implemented by his institution.

By Albert Masaka

Moyo said this at the graduation ceremony of 200 nurses and midwives held at the hospital on Saturday.

CCH has entered into partnerships with several companies, among them platinum giants, Zimplats and Mimosa for training of staff and procurement of critical equipment, among others in order to improve its health care delivery systems.

Moyo said the reason why CCH entered into joint ventures was to bring a “five-star service” to patients at an affordable fee and the success of the model has even attracted attention internationally.

“We have also engaged in joint venture partnerships in the areas of radiology, mortuary, dental, food services, laboratory and pharmacy to ensure maximum provision of services to patients.”

Poor funding from Treasury has been affecting government hospitals in the provision of essential services to patients.

Moyo said the CCH model has also reduced the burden of patients in seeking services elsewhere, since almost all critical services were now under one roof.

“It’s merely for convenience to the patient, not for profit making, but for convenience to the patient during this time when we face economic hardships, the government cannot do it alone, so we have to help the government,” he said. Moyo cited the recent acquisition by the hospital of a CT scanner machine, which has resulted in patients enjoying a massive reduction in fees, as they were now paying $250 for the service instead of more than $1 500 in private hospitals.

The ceremony was attended by Rio-Zim acting CEO, Bhekinkosi Nkomo, who was guest of honour and he pledged that his company would enter into a partnership with CCH.

Nkomo said industry cannot ignore the efforts of Moyo and his staff, who have accomplished so many achievements such as the ISO certification, among others, becoming the first public hospital in Southern Africa to be certified in transforming the fortunes of the hospital and its community.

“My company, through its foundation, will consider possibilities in which it can best participate in the development of this institution, as we believe it is a worthy cause that deserves to be supported in one way or the other,” he said.