Parirenyatwa Hospital reflects on difficult 2020, looks forward to better 2021

Harare (New Ziana) – The country’s largest referral hospital, Parirenyatwa is looking forward to better prospects in 2021 following several operational challenges encountered in 2020, mainly because of the COVID-19 pandemic and industrial action by workers.

Equipped with 1 200 beds, the Hospital is manned by a staff complement of 3 175 of which 1 130 are nurses and over 400 doctors with various specialties.

The Hospital is comprised of the Parirenyatwa main Hospital, Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital, Parirenyatwa Mental Health Hospital and Sekuru Kaguvi eye Hospital.

In an end of year message, the hospital’s group chief executive officer Dr Aspect Maunganidze said 2020 had presented several operational challenges, made worse by the COVID-19 pandemic which affected over 150 staff members.

Dr Maunganidze commended the dedication of staff members who continued providing services in the face of the overwhelming challenges.

“The year 2020 had some of the longest periods of industrial action by doctors and nurses with occasional involvement of all health care workers. This seriously compromised service delivery across the board. The quality of patient care was badly affected and the hospital was forced by circumstances on the ground to focus on emergencies for the greater part of the year.

“Revenue collection was also negatively impacted as our traditional revenue streams like private admissions, elective surgeries and outpatient services were almost shut out. The hospital ended up relying heavily on central government disbursements. Training of doctors and nurses was also seriously affected by the industrial actions. In short, the hospital was left with significant scars from the industrial actions,” he said.

“Despite all the challenges encountered during the year, it is important to note that the Hospital never totally closed its doors at any point in time, this was only possible through the dedication and selfless commitment by staff who continued to offer services to the patients despite the challenges.”

Dr Maunganidze added: “I am happy we are going into 2021 with all our staff members reporting for normal duties despite the challenges we face.”

He said he was optimistic government would continue availing funding for the improvement of service delivery at the hospital.

“The employer has committed to continue reviews and improvement of the conditions of service for all employees,” he said.
New Ziana