Govt Upgrades Hospitals, Tackles Drug Abuse

Rutendo Mazhindu- ZimNow Reporter

Government has intensified the rehabilitation of key public health infrastructure while advancing multi-sectoral responses to drug and substance abuse, as seen during a ministerial tour of major projects in Harare on Wednesday.

Led by the Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr. Jenfan Muswere, the delegation visited Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals and the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre in Mbare.

The Minister of Local Government and Public Works, Daniel Garwe, said the refurbishment of Parirenyatwa Hospital is part of a nationwide programme to modernise health facilities.

“Government is on a programme to refurbish all our health facilities throughout the country. We were directed to start with Parirenyatwa Hospital, and it has three programmes running concurrently — the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Wing, the Nurses’ Training School, and the nurses’ accommodation,” he said.

He added that the project includes major upgrades to the water and sewer reticulation systems and is expected to be completed by December 2025.

“The training school will be ready by September 1, the nurses’ accommodation by the end of October, and the maternity wing by year-end. We are happy with the quality of work, which speaks to our national aspirations,” said Garwe.

The ministers also toured the Angel of Hope Drug Rehabilitation Centre, which was officially opened on July 12 and provides free services to up to 200 individuals. The centre blends treatment, counselling, education, and structured physical activity.

“This programme was opened with the intention of rehabilitation. All along, Angel of Hope had been doing awareness campaigns and decided it was time to rehabilitate those already using drugs,” said Dr. Muswere.

“We are conducting a provincial media tour in our metropolitan province. The Angel of Hope Centre primarily focuses on eradicating drug and substance abuse in line with the multi-sectoral plan running from 2024 to 2030. This is a collective responsibility. Every Zimbabwean and organisation must work together with the government to combat this menace,” said Dr. Muswere.

Health and Child Care Minister, Dr. Douglas Mombeshora, hailed the facility for complementing government efforts and urged similar initiatives across the country.

“This is very impressive, especially that they are complementing government efforts in tackling this scourge. We now urge every Zimbabwean to copy this model and try to establish similar centres, because these challenges are affecting communities all over the country,” he said.

The Angel of Hope Centre offers a holistic approach to rehabilitation and has been praised for providing psychosocial support, counselling, sporting facilities, and dignified recovery to those affected by substance abuse.