The Cowdray Park Health Centre in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, has been completed and commissioned. This completion marks a significant milestone in the government’s efforts to improve access to health care for its residents. The 20-bed health centre is part of a larger initiative by the government to construct 30 health facilities across the country, funded by a US$200 million loan from a UK-based private company.
The commissioning of the health centre by HE Emmerson Mnangagwa this Wednesday shows his intent to improve communities all over Zimbabwe. Also, the President is on record saying that the centre is a modern health care facility that is between a clinic and a hospital. He further states that it has the best facilities and, in some instances, better equipped than some hospitals.
The facility was built to alleviate the pressure on existing health facilities in the city, particularly in Cowdray Park. This suburb has the biggest population in the city. Also, before the construction of the health centre, residents had to rely on a makeshift clinic or travel long distances to access health care services. This health centre is an addition the community is proud of. Zimbabwe’s health sector is facing a lot of pressure. From inadequate staff, facilities and resources to patients having to travel long distances to get assistance. Therefore, this addition is a move to alleviate the pressures the sector is facing.
Cowdray Park Health Centre: Improved access to health.
Bulawayo’s provincial medical director, Dr. Maphios Siamuchembu, expressed his optimism that the facility will significantly improve access to health care in the city. “The health facilities that we have as a province are too few compared to the population of the city and that of Cowdray Park in particular. We need all the health care facilities that we can have, and when it becomes functional, it will relieve pressure from the makeshift council clinic which is not fit for purpose,” said Dr. Siamuchembu.
The health centre has wards for men and women, a paediatric ward, pre-natal and post-natal wards. Additionally, it has a delivery room, a minor theatre and consultation rooms. It also has an environmental room, guidance and counselling rooms and a laboratory. It also has isolation wards where patients will be treated under observation.
The facility also houses medical staff quarters to accommodate families of four health workers and operates on solar power. Residents of Cowdray Park are expressing gratitude for the construction of the health centre. They believe it will ease access to health care, particularly for women who will now have maternity services closer to their homes. This is in line with the country’s health care plan.
The commissioning of the Cowdray Park Health Centre is a testament to the government’s commitment to health care delivery. It is a significant step towards ensuring universal access to healthcare services for all Zimbabweans. Moreso, it is a move to show the government’s dedication to improve public health care for citizens.
