Staff reporter

The Second Republic has made remarkable progress with the construction of the University of Zimbabwe's (UZ) super-specialist hospital in Avondale, Harare.

The imminent opening of the facility, slated to welcome the public by August, stands as a significant achievement amid the ongoing construction of the Quinary hospital, the cornerstone of medical care in the region.

In an interview with this publication, UZ Vice Chancellor, Professor Paul Mapfumo, expressed optimism about the project's progress.

"The Avondale centre, a crucial part of the larger hospital complex under development along Mazowe Road, is nearly ready for operation. It will offer specialized medical services, including eye care, in vitro fertilisation, and oral health. Currently, the facility is being equipped with state-of-the-art medical technology, ensuring it meets international standards," he said.

A Quinary hospital is a super-specialist health institution offering the highest level of specialized healthcare. He said upon completion, the UZ facility will be a major referral hospital in the country.  

“A super-specialist hospital is not an ordinary hospital it is what people look for when they go to India, China, and other countries.

“This facility promises to bolster the country's capacity to deliver top-tier medical care, marking a pivotal moment in its journey towards achieving excellence in healthcare provision.," explained Professor Mapfumo.

Professor Mapfumo highlighted that the main quinary hospital, still under construction just outside Harare's central business district, is slated for completion next year.

“This US$15 million project will specialize in complex medical care such as oncology, cardiology, feto-maternal care, and renal care. These services are critical for a population that has historically spent up to US$400 million annually seeking medical treatment abroad. The new hospital is expected to significantly reduce such expenses by providing these advanced medical services locally,” he stated.

Additionally, Professor Mapfumo acknowledged that the completion of the main hospital faced delays due to funding constraints and technical issues.

However, he assured that significant progress is now being made.

"Our first phase will be complete by the end of the year. This phase includes the main administration block, the outpatient building, and the oncology building. The cardiology department will be completed in the next phase, taking an additional 12 months,” said Professor Mapfumo.

The new UZ facility aims to serve as a major referral hospital, reducing the need for Zimbabweans to seek treatment abroad and demonstrating the capabilities of the country's new model of Education 5.0.