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Deputy Minister Musiiwa

Rutendo Rori Herald Reporter
Government has so far received $77 million for health development from the Export-Import Bank of China, a Government official has said. This follows a $100 million loan that was availed by the bank in 2011 through the China Medical Equipment Loan Facility.

Speaking at the initial signing ceremony of the Women and Childcare Project recently, Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Aldrin Musiiwa said this represented 77 percent of the agreed value of equipment.

“Cooperation between Zimbabwe and China is also represented by the Zimbabwe-China Medical Equipment Loan Facility.

“China Exim-Bank availed a loan of $99,958 million to Zimbabwe in 2011. So far, equipment worth $77 million has been delivered to Zimbabwe and this equipment is being installed in our health institutions. It will go a long way in making our medical services better. This represents 77 percent of the agreed value of equipment and we hope the remaining 18 percent is going to be expedited,” said Deputy Minister Musiiwa.

Mahusekwa Hospital – pic from xinhuanet.com

He said the first phase in the construction of the Mahusekwa Hospital in Mashonaland East since 2012 had now been completed.

“Under the Zimbabwe-China friendship, China started constructing a 130-bed hospital in Mahusekwa in 2012. Feasibility studies have been completed for the second phase. The second phase includes civil works, a kitchen and incinerator.

“We are awaiting feedback from China for the completion of this project,” he said.

Deputy Minister Musiiwa commended China for the support rendered to renovate Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.

“We are grateful for the development of the Urology department at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and your support to this central hospital is highly strategic and will benefit our people.

“Zimbabwe and China are cooperating in many areas of health and these include the dispatching of health teams to Zimbabwe. We have about nine specialist doctors and one logistical person in Zimbabwe. The work that these teams have done in Zimbabwe is commendable.”

The Chinese Deputy Minister of Health Mr Liu Qian said China would continue to support the health care development of Zimbabwe.

“Our dedication in visiting Zimbabwe is the implementation of the consensus reached by our two heads of state. Health has become an important link of communication and a significant part of cooperation between countries.

“Through the Women and Childcare project, our aim is to support the improvement of maternal and child health care. Maternal and child health are indicators of the country’s health,” said Mr Qian.