Evidence Chipadza
Mkoba 1 clinic maternity wing which was recently shut down in 2009 due to a shortage of midwives is set to bring hope again for Mkoba expecting mothers.
This development was revealed by Gweru City Council (GCC) Public Relations Officer (PRO) Vimbai Chingwaramuse saying plans to reopen the wing will soon commence.
“Yes the maternity ward closed in 2009 due to a shortage of midwifery nurses and we have plans to open it. After we are done refurbishing the infrastructure, we will also look for adequate staff,” she said.
The closure of Mkoba 1 Council Clinic resulted in serious congestion at the remaining polyclinic that services expectant mothers from the populous Mkoba area.
There is a clear indication of a shortage of staff at the clinic, evidenced by visible long queues.
Chiedza Harunashe, a Mkoba resident, highlighted that some women were giving birth on their way to Mkoba 13 clinic.
“The maternity wing should open because some women losing their babies due to the distance. Health issues should be given priority,” said Harunashe.
Zimbabwe has the highest mortality rate with 458 children dying per 100000 live births.
Gweru Residents Forum (GRF) Director Charles Mazorodze said if the resources permit Mkoba 1 maternity wing must be opened at speed to ease pressure at the Mkoba polyclinic.
“Someone staying at Mkoba 11 has to walk about 12 km to and from Mkoba 13. Definitely the current staff at the clinic is overwhelmed due to pressure. The council must expedite the reopening of the maternity wing,” said Mazorodze.
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