MOUNT DARWIN, Jun. 20 (NewsDay Live) — Karanda Mission Hospital is expanding its services and upgrading infrastructure as patient numbers continue to rise, reinforcing its role as one of Zimbabwe’s most important rural referral health institutions.
Founded in 1961 by The Evangelical Alliance Mission (TEAM), the hospital, located about 200 kilometres northeast of Harare, serves communities across northern Zimbabwe and remains a critical provider of affordable healthcare in underserved areas.
Hospital officials briefed journalists during a media tour this week, outlining growth plans, operational capacity and challenges facing the institution.
Medical superintendent Dr Takudzwa Sasa said the hospital had evolved into a major healthcare centre serving thousands of patients annually.
“Karanda Mission Hospital was established in 1961 with the mission to provide accessible, quality healthcare. Over the years, it has grown to become a reputable facility serving thousands of patients annually across the region,” Sasa said.
The hospital has a capacity of 165 beds and treats about 140,000 patients each year. It conducts more than 51,000 outpatient consultations and around 4,000 surgical procedures annually.
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Services include general medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, dental care, laboratory diagnostics, emergency treatment and maternal health programmes.
“Our workforce of more than 278 professionals ensures quality and safe care through continuous training and specialised expertise,” Sasa said.
He said the hospital was investing in new diagnostic equipment, expanding wards and introducing advanced surgical procedures and specialised outpatient clinics for chronic diseases.
“We are expanding services, upgrading diagnostic equipment and introducing advanced surgical procedures and outpatient chronic care clinics,” he said.
Sasa said the projects were designed to improve efficiency, increase patient capacity and strengthen the hospital’s ability to respond to growing healthcare needs in the region.
Operating under the motto “Serving God, Serving Others”, Karanda combines medical treatment with faith-based community care while adhering to standards set by the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Hospital leadership said partnerships with the private sector, development organisations and local communities would be crucial in addressing resource constraints and improving access to healthcare in remote areas.
Officials appealed for support towards priority needs, including modern medical equipment and staff accommodation, saying sustained investment was essential to maintaining quality healthcare services.
Stakeholders attending the briefing stressed that stronger healthcare systems, reliable funding and community participation were key to improving health outcomes and supporting national development.
Karanda remains one of Zimbabwe’s busiest mission hospitals, providing specialist maternal health, emergency and referral services to thousands of people across Mashonaland Central and neighbouring districts.