MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs minister Owen Ncube yesterday commissioned Gweru City Council-run Mtapa Clinic maternity ward, closed in 2013 to pave way for renovations.
By Stephen Chadenga
Ncube said the reopening of the ward came as a relief to expectant mothers from Mambo, Mtapa, Ascot suburbs and other surrounding areas, who used to travel long distances to access services.
He applauded council for adhering to government’s directive to exempt pregnant women from paying maternity fees.
“I am glad to announce that the City of Gweru through its health services department has complied with the government’s directive by exempting pregnant women from paying maternity fees,” Ncube said.
“As for the under-five and above 65 years, the facility needs implementation and monitoring to ensure that the fore-mentioned people do not pay medical fees.”
Ncube urged the government to financially assist council-run clinics so that the institutions can offer quality health care services to the community.
He said the clinic’s maternity ward commissioning was part of Gweru City Council’s 100-day plan.
- Chamisa under fire over US$120K donation
- Mavhunga puts DeMbare into Chibuku quarterfinals
- Pension funds bet on Cabora Bassa oilfields
- Councils defy govt fire tender directive
Keep Reading
“I appeal to relevant authorities to include local authorities which are not getting assistance to be considered to cushion them in the health care service delivery so as to maintain quality health care service,” he said.
The health centre is expected to cater for over 26 000 people from Mtapa, Mambo and Ascot suburbs and other surrounding areas.
In 2016, there were reports that some women from the three suburbs had resorted to home deliveries as there were no maternity facilities in the area.
Meanwhile, TM commuter omnibus rank toilets were also commissioned after they were renovated by council in partnership with Unilever Zimbabwe.
