By Michael Gwarisa in Masvingo
Health facilities in Masvingo Province are set to benefit from a multi-million dollar Natpharm Pharmaceutical Warehouse facility constructed through a partnership between the government of Zimbabwe, the Global Fund and the United Nations Development Porgramme (UNDP).
The 2,460 square meters new warehouse for NatPharm in Masvingo which holds 2,988 pallet spaces was constructed at a cost of US$ 3,667,724.51. Construction started in 2017 to be completed and handed over to NatPharm for occupation in the first quarter of 2020.
Officiating the official handover ceremony of the warehouse to the Ministry of Health and Child Care (MoHCC) in Masvingo, Honorable Sleiman Timios Kwidini, the Deputy Minister of Health said the facility was in line with the government’s devolution vision.
Today, we celebrate not just the inauguration of a new facility but a significant step forward in our collective pursuit of a healthier and more equitable nation. The commissioning of this warehouse in Masvingo represents a pivotal moment in our health infrastructure development, and I am delighted to share this occasion with you,” said Honourable Kwidini.
Besides the structure, warehouse space and offices, the facility has a firefighting system which cost US$2,848,554.48. UNDP also supported the warehouse through the installation of a 201-kW solar system at a cost of US$321,713.6, and provision of storage and handling equipment (US$819,170).
“The provision of the solar system which serves as the primary source of energy has contributed to improved access to a reliable clean source of electricity at the warehouse. UNDP is also in the process of replacing the gel batteries with lithium batteries to improve the system efficiency.”
He added that the UNDP’s involvement has enabled the government to develop a modern facility that will significantly enhance our capacity to store, manage, and distribute essential medicines and medical supplies. This warehouse will serve as a critical hub for the region, ensuring that life-saving drugs reach those who need them most in a timely and efficient manner.
“With this facility, we are taking concrete steps towards eliminating the disparities that have previously affected our healthcare system. This warehouse will ensure that every corner of Masvingo, and indeed the broader region, benefits from improved access to medical supplies,” said Hon Kwidini.
The Masvingo warehouse is part of the Resilient Systems Strengthening for Health (RSSH) project, funded by the Global Fund and supported by UNDP.
Dr Admore Pazvakavambwa, the Permanent Secretary for Masvingo Province and Devolution said the Natpharm warehouse represents a beacon of hope and a commitment to enhancing the quality of healthcare in Masvingo Province and beyond.
“It stands as a testament to the collaborative efforts of government, health development partners, and the dedicated individuals and organizations who have worked tirelessly to bring this vision to life. It symbolizes a vital enhancement in our ability to deliver healthcare services more efficiently and effectively. With this state-of-the-art facility, we are poised to significantly improve our distribution networks, reduce delays, and ultimately, ensure that our healthcare workers have timely access to the medicines and supplies they need to provide the highest quality of care to our communities,” said Dr Pazvakavambwa.
Apart from the Masvingo Natpharm warehouse in Masvingo, 178 completed pharmacy stores were constructed with support from the Global Fund and UNDP as part of the partnership with Government.
Meanwhile, Dr. Ayodele Odusola, the UNDP Resident Representative in Zimbabwe said a well-functioning cold-chain system was the backbone of every pharmaceutical and medical storage system.
“Adequate storage space, efficient transportation and distribution systems as well as a good stock management system ensures that health products are stored and delivered to the last mile in good condition as prescribed by WHO. UNDP and the Global Fund values well-established supply chain systems and have, therefore, invested in the supply chain system in Zimbabwe as part of their investments in Resilient Systems Strengthening for Health (RSSH),” said Dr Odusola.
To complement Government efforts to improve the handling capacity of this supply chain, by ensuring sufficient space at central and regional warehouses as well as at health facilities across the country, UNDP, through the Global Fund, has invested nearly US$30 million in the provision of warehousing (Masvingo, Mutare, and preparatory works for Harare warehouses) and improvement in storage enhancements at health facilities since 2014.
There are ongoing efforts to renovate the Harare old warehouse and enhance Chinhoyi, Gweru and Bulawayo warehouses with Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning (HVAC) systems and solar installations.
