Bulawayo, (New Ziana)-Lack of community rehabilitation facilities in the country is leading to repeat admissions of substance abuse patients, an official has said.
In an interview on the sidelines of the handover of 250 blankets by local insurance company Old Mutual on Thursday, Ingutsheni Central Chief Medical Officer, Dr Nemache Mawire said their institution was battling with a surge in the number of patients who are suffering from drug related conditions.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital is the mental health referral institution in Zimbabwe, offering specialised mental health services.
“We are struggling with a substance abuse crisis, where 70 percent of patients awaiting treatment suffer from drug-related health conditions. The most frequently abused substances are crystal meth and illicit brews, locally known as njengu. We are also experiencing repeated admissions due to lack of community rehabilitation centres,” he said.
Mawire said Ingutsheni was never intended as a primary admission centre for people battling drug addiction, adding that such patients should be managed through community-based care and specialised rehabilitation units.
“The reality, however, is deeply problematic as we are forced to house people here who don’t belong in this setting. The system lacks adequate infrastructure. There are virtually no functional rehabilitation units nationwide. While a few are beginning to open in Harare, Bulawayo currently has zero capacity for community-based treatment. This gap cripples our ability to provide appropriate care, “he said.
Mawere said they predominantly admit patients experiencing drug-induced psychosis characterized by a complete break from reality and heightened aggression.
“These cases present serious public safety risks and this shows how substance abuse is impacting on our communities. Up to 70 percent of patients admitted in our units, particularly in the acute male medical ward, are coming through with these problems,” he said.
Speaking at the 4th edition of the All Councilors Indaba 2025 recently, Mawire implored local authorities to establish rehabilitation centres within their jurisdictions to address the growing crisis of drugs and substance abuse, as the number of affected individuals continues to surge.
He said cases of drug and substance abuse are happening all over the country and local authorities should start engaging youths to stop such activities.
“You see these things everywhere. So yes, local authorities should start seeing how you can engage the youth to stop using these substances. Give them things to use. Let them do some sports. Let them have some clubs where they can actually spend time doing other things,” said Mawire.
