The National University of Science and Technology (Nust) has taken a decisive lead in the modernisation of Bulawayo’s Ekusileni Medical Centre, importing 30 pieces of state-of-the-art medical equipment from China.
The facility, which has faced decades of operational hurdles, is finally moving toward full-service delivery under the university's management.
Thabani Mpofu, Nust’s communications and marketing director, confirmed that the university has assumed full responsibility for the hospital's operations.
He provided clarity on the current status of the project, highlighting the arrival of the specialised technology.
“Nust is the one operating Ekusileni Hospital,” Mpofu said, outlining the university's proactive stance.
“We recently imported 30 state-of-the-art pieces of equipment from China and we are yet to install them before we can begin the hospital's full operationalisation”.
He said the university is currently "preparing to launch full services" once the technical setup is finalised.
The hospital remains a poignant symbol of the legacy of the late former vice president Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo.
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However, the Nkomo family has expressed past frustrations over the management of the NSSA-owned building.
Sibangilizwe Nkomo, son of the late nationalist, noted that despite previous disappointments regarding tenders and partnerships—including a failed bid involving a South African firm—the family remains hopeful for the hospital's success.
“If Nust is operating it and they manage to keep the hospital running then I have no problem with that,” Nkomo said, despite previously citing a lack of "political sincerity."
Bulawayo Metropolitan Province permanent secretary Paul Nyoni confirmed Nust’s leadership, referring to the instition’s vice-chancellor as the "owner" of the operations.
The arrival of the Chinese machinery marks the most significant progress for the centre in years.
Ekusileni was originally envisioned by the late VP Nkomo in the early 2000s as he was concerned by lack of specialist medical facilities in Zimbabwe.
Before the takeover by Nust, the hospital struggled to operate and remained closed for long periods of time.
