CommuTalk Reporter
GWERU Provincial Hospital (GPH) isolation center which is currently under construction is close to completion, CommuTalk has learnt.
Announcing developments during a Covid-19 campaign outreach held in Mvuma, Minister of State for Gweru Provincial Affairs Senator Larry Mavhima said the facility will be one of the best after Wilkins Hospital in Harare.
“Government is working flat out to make sure the Provincial isolation center is complete to open doors as soon as possible. This will be one of the best isolation facilities not only in Zimbabwe but the Southern region,” Senator Mavhima said.
His sentiments come barely a month after a picture showing a tent at GPH identified as the Province’s isolation center exposed government to ridicule and also criticism as the general populace was well aware that Unki Mine had channeled R10 million towards construction of the facility.
“The facility will have 10 ventilators and 10 beds for the Intensive Care Unit. The normal wards will consist of 24 beds and tops to that is a labor ward for pregnant women,” Mavhima added.
Senator Mavhima also took to clarify the use of Mkoba 1 clinic.
“Word has been going around that we converted Mkoba 1 clinic into an isolation center. That is not true. It is a facility that houses sick returnees in quarantine. If someone falls sick in quarantine, they need medical attention but not outside quarantine. So all those who suffer headaches and any other normal ailment continue quarantine under watch in the facility.
“It will be also proper that I confirm that we have taken charge of the council run Ascot infectious diseases facility and it is undergoing renovations. It will also open soon after the GPH isolation center with a new face altogether,” Mavhima further said.
The developments come at a time Zimbabwe has relaxed a lot of lockdown measures with President Emerson Mnangagwa urging to endorse ‘the new normal.’
“Although our lockdown remains at Level 2, let us begin to further open up remembering that we have a role to play. Government, hand in hand with empowered private sector will do all in its power to open up the economy, to provide the jobs and the opportunities the people deserve,” President Mnangagwa said.
