Harare, (New Ziana) – The government is engaging the Harare City Council to ensure a more consistent water supply to the Sally Mugabe Central Hospital as well as addressing other concerns of nurses at the health facility, an official has said.
Ministry of Health and Child Care public relations officer Donald Mujiri said this in a statement on Wednesday while responding to grievances that nurses at the hospital raised during a demonstration on Tuesday.
The nurses were protesting against water shortages, malfunctioning elevators, staff transportation, accommodation, and shortages of medical supplies at the hospitsl.
Mujiri said improving the hospital’s water supply is a top priority, with efforts underway to repair a 2.5-megalitre water tank.
“The government is prioritizing the hospital’s water supply, and the repair of the 2.5-megalitre tank will be completed as soon as possible,” Mujiri said.
The nurses also raised concerns about the hospital’s dysfunctional elevator system, which has affected patient movement, particularly in critical areas such as maternity and surgery.
Mujiri confirmed that three elevators are currently under repair, with at least one expected to be operational within the next few days, while work is also in progress to fix the maternity and kitchen elevators.
He said to ease transportation challenges for staff, the hospital recently received a second bus from the Ministry Head Office, a move he said aims to improve convenience for healthcare workers and ensure smoother operations at the hospital.
The government is also making efforts to enhance staff accommodation and cafeteria services in line with broader policies to improve working conditions in public hospitals, he said.
On shortages of medical supplies, Mujiri said steps are being taken to resolve the issue and ensure adequate provisions, without specifying a timeline when the situation would be fully addressed.
“The government remains committed to providing high-quality healthcare and a supportive environment for both patients and staff,” he said.
New Ziana
