By Mvelo Mthiyane Zondo
GWANDA — The painful reality of travelling long distances to Bulawayo or Harare for critical health care and dialysis services is now a thing of the past, following the opening of the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the commissioning of dialysis machines for the Renal Unit at Gwanda Provincial Hospital.
The hospital has established its first-ever Intensive Care Unit (ICU), marking a significant milestone as the first such facility in Matabeleland South Province.
Speaking at the official opening of the new unit, Matabeleland South Minister of Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Albert Nguluvhe, described the development as a major achievement for the province.
For many years, patients had to seek these services in Bulawayo and Harare, further straining their al-ready fatigued bodies.
“We are bringing services to the people. This achievement speaks directly to President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of ‘leaving no one and no place behind.’ These are the practical fruits of devolution and the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and NDS2, which prioritise access to quality health care as a fundamental human right,” said Minister Nguluvhe.
He added that the new ICU will enable Gwanda Provincial Hospital to manage critically ill patients—from severe trauma due to road accidents to complications from childbirth and other serious medical condi-tions.
“Such developments encourage and give hope to medical staff, equipping them with the tools they need to do what they were trained for—saving lives,” he said.
Provincial Medical Director Dr Andrew Muza expressed his satisfaction, noting that they are now offer-ing specialised health care, and patients will no longer need to travel to Bulawayo.
“We plan to acquire a CT scan machine and move away from relying solely on X-ray technology. As a hospital, we already have a heart scan machine and surgeons on staff. Previously, we referred our pa-tients to Bulawayo because performing such operations here was too risky due to complications. Now, we are capable of handling them,” added Dr. Muza.
He also mentioned that the ICU project began during the COVID era but could not be completed at that time.
The commissioning of dialysis machines in the Renal Unit also plays a critical role in the health sector.
Chronic kidney diseases will now be treated at Gwanda Provincial Hospital, helping to restore dignity, reduce catastrophic health expenditures for families, and give patients a chance to live productive lives while receiving treatment within the province.
The minister also emphasised the importance of safeguarding the equipment.
“I urge you to take good care of this equipment, maintain it, and serve our people with compassion and professionalism,” said Nguluvhe.
