Efforts to revitalize Zimbabwe’s health delivery system following its near-total collapse in late 2008 and early 2009 gathered pace Monday as Prime Minister Morgan Tsvangirai officially reopened refurbished wards and an intensive care unit at the Harare Central Hospital.
The hospital, a major referral center, closed the wards eight years ago due to funding, staff and equipment shortages. Mr Tsvangirai commissioned a new renal center at the hospital too.
The prime minister said it is his ambition to restore Zimbabwe’s ailing health sector to its former status as one of the best health care systems in Africa.
Health Minister Henry Madzorera said the health sector is now out of intensive care, and that his ministry will launch an appeal next month for US$700 million in donor assistance to rebuild.
Dr. Madzorera told VOA Studio 7 reporter Sandra Nyaira that the situation is the same in other hospitals in the country where major improvements in service are being witnessed.
