Staff Reporter

Residents have applauded the Second Republic’s commitment towards improving the country’s health sector by installing a state-of-the-art Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scan at Mpilo Hospital to ensure access to accurate treatment and diagnosis.

Bulawayo resident, Zwelibanzi Ndlovu expressed a palpable sense of excitement and curiosity. He highlighted that for years, access to advanced medical technology had been limited, but now, a wave of hope washed over the city. The prospect of accurate and detailed imaging brought a sense of comfort and assurance to the hearts of the people.

“We are happy with the Government effort of providing the MRI scan which has brought relief to patients because of late, members of the public would pay about $500 at private entities as the service was not accessible in public hospitals’’ said Ndlovu.  

Health practitioner Enos Muzhongwe said the installation of the MRI scan had not only transformed healthcare in Bulawayo but had also ignited a renewed sense of pride and optimism among its citizens. He added that the city's collective journey toward better health had just begun, with the promise of a brighter and healthier future for all.

“On the day of the grand unveiling, a diverse crowd gathered outside the hospital, eagerly awaiting a glimpse of the futuristic marvel that promised to enhance healthcare in their beloved city,’’ said Muzhongwe.

Jacob Kaitano who is a tuberculosis (TB) patient said he was grateful with the effort done by Government to ensure that health facilities will be affordable to all citizens of Bulawayo and the installation of the MRI scan is not just a technological marvel but a beacon of hope for their community's health and well-being.

‘’Over the following weeks, the demand for MRI scans surged as citizens from all walks of life sought to benefit from the newfound capabilities of the machine. The medical equipment will utilize the advanced imaging technology to improve patient outcomes’’ said Kaitano.

Meanwhile, the administration of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is working tirelessly to revamp health facilities across the country to boost the quality of health for all in line with vision 2030. Last year, President Emmerson Mnangagwa commissioned a similar scan stationed at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals in Harare to service the Northern region.