Zimpapers Logo

Tawanda Mangoma in Chiredzi
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs Ezra Chadzamira has urged luminaries, corporates and Government to pool resources for the construction of a state-of-the-art maternity ward at Chiredzi District Hospital and to rehabilitate the local polyclinic.

Addressing journalists after touring medical facilities in the sugar growing town on Tuesday, Minister Chadzamira said the hospital had limited pre and post-natal facilities. He said the maternity ward was overstrained, hence the need for an urgent solution.

“We have a big problem regarding the maternity ward which is overcrowded here at Chiredzi General Hospital. There is need for urgent action to either engage the business community and individuals to quickly intervene in the construction of a maternity ward which is bigger and better,” said Minister Chadzamira.

He said the availability of medicine at most hospitals in the province had improved despite the unavailability of doctors.

“The drug situation has improved, Government is channelling maximum effort to ensure drug availability.

“We hope the doctors will soon be returning to work here. Under normal situations, this institution operates with seven doctors.”

Chiredzi District Medical Officer Dr Brian Dhlandhlara said the current maternity ward had a carrying capacity of 35 mothers and that of late it was overwhelmed by the ever growing population. He said currently they had 53 expecting mothers.

“The carrying capacity of our maternity ward is 35 beds but as of today we have 53 expecting mothers meaning 18 would sleep on the floor. We need the maternity ward to be expanded as a matter of urgency,” he said.