Mpilo Central Hospital ward refurbished by United Kingdom based Samaritan

September 4, 2018
| Report Focus News

Mpilo Central Hospital female ward has been refurbished to the tune of $85,000 with the help of a United Kingdom based well-wisher.

Philantropist who grew up in Filabusi Dumisani Moyo now lives in Birmingham, England.

Moyo says after realising that public health systems in Zimbabwe were falling apart, he started efforts to persuade corporations and individuals to donate to struggling hospitals.

B6 ward had not been renovated since Mpilo Hospital was built in 1957 but now matches international standards.

Moyo renovated the ablution services, carried out glazing works, replaced the sluice kit, bought curtain rails, curtains, blankets, linen, medical trolleys, food trolleys and cutlery to be used by patients.

Speaking at the handover of the ward to hospital authorities, Moyo said the generosity and enthusiasm of donors and volunteers had made the project possible.

“I grew up in rural Filabusi and I don’t want others to experience the hardships I witnessed. This is why I decided to embark on this project. When my father was frail, I promised to make him proud but unfortunately he died four months ago without witnessing what I had promised. That our public hospitals need a financial shot in the arm is no secret. I try to do what I can and have actually helped refurbish schools in some rural areas,” Moyo said.

“If not for the financial assistance and passion of our donors, this project could not have gone through. This initiative shows how important it is for us to support each other. I express my gratitude to ZB Bank, Halsteds and Bathroom Boutique for chipping in.”

Revamp … Food trolleys and cutlery among some of the donated items Moyo called on the hospital to open the ward for communities and not privatize it.

“I urge the hospital to maintain the ward, keep it safe and clean in an environment that nourishes patients back to health. It should not be privatised for the hospital’s benefit but the ward is for the community,” he implored.

“Dumi International Aid provided all the required material and labour in the form of volunteers for work that did not require skilled labour. Mpilo Hospital and Public Works Department provided skilled labour, painters, carpenters, plumbers, tilers, brick-layers and electricians. Joint consultative meetings between the hospital and public works were held during the implementation process to make sure everything went smoothly,” he said.

“Indeed the role of partnerships between our local communities, national and international organisations’ is well articulated and promoted in our National Health Strategy (NHS) 2016 to 2020. Our NHS calls for the empowerment of communities including the business sector to participate in health service provision in various forms and I am happy to note that Dumi International has responded to that clarion call

“I just want to remind all of us that this is our hospital and it is our responsibility as corporates, civic organisations, church organisations and individuals to see to it that it works. We should leave a legacy of excellence in health delivery. I want to personally thank all those who contributed in a special way and encourage other corporate organisations to do the same in their corporate social investment programmes so that our hospitals all over the country can meet the health demands of the nation,” he said.

The event was attended by Mpilo medical staff, Bulawayo Residents Association, and Bulawayo City Council Health Services Director Dr Edwin Sibanda.