By Michael Gwarisa
In a significant step towards improving maternal and neonatal health in Uzumba Maramba Pfungwe (UMP), Mutawatawa District Hospital has completed extensive renovations of its theatre department and waiting mothers’ shelter, with financial support from the World Bank, Cordaid and the Government of Zimbabwe.
The refurbished hospital now boasts a fully equipped and modernised theatre capable of handling two operations simultaneously, a new radiography unit with a digital X-ray machine, and upgraded waiting mothers’ facilities designed to offer dignified shelter to expecting mothers.
The renovations were undertaken by the Ministry of Health and Child Care through a project implemented by Cordaid, with funding support from the World Bank. The collaboration is part of broader efforts to strengthen health infrastructure and improve maternal and child health outcomes in underserved districts.
In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr Gladman Mubonani, the District Medical Officer for Mutawatawa, said the renovations mark a turning point in the quality of maternal health services in the district.
For the radiography unit, we received a brand new digital X-ray machine, the room was completely renovated and fitted with a solar system to ensure constant power,” said Dr Mubonani.
“For the theatre, it was a total overhaul. We redid the floors, installed new tiling, and got brand new theatre equipment and accessories. This effectively means we can now operate two theatres at the same time, significantly reducing waiting times for Caesarean section clients.”
The upgraded infrastructure comes as a major boost for the district’s only hospital, which serves as the sole referral facility for complex maternal cases in the entire UMP area. The hospital is currently the only facility in the district capable of performing C-sections and other surgical procedures.
Dr Mubonani said the improvements will enhance service delivery and lead to better outcomes for both mothers and their babies.
“The renovations and the new equipment will improve the quality of care. We are now able to monitor patients with modernised systems during surgery, which was not possible before,” he said.
He added that the waiting mothers’ shelter, which previously offered substandard and dilapidated accommodation, has been transformed into a clean and comfortable facility. The rooms were upgraded, plumbing was fixed, and a separate water supply system was installed specifically for the shelter.
“The shelter is now a decent place where expecting mothers can wait safely for delivery, especially those coming from remote parts of the district. Previously, the shelter was outdated and not fit for purpose,” said Dr Mubonani. “We are now waiting for Members of Parliament to fulfil their promise to donate beds for the shelter.”
The renovations are not just structural. Mutawatawa District Hospital has also seen improvements in human resources, with key vacancies for doctors, theatre nurses, and a new nurse anaesthetist now filled. This development is expected to reduce pressure on existing staff and ensure 24-hour surgical services, which are critical for emergency obstetric care.
Dr Mubonani said these developments put Mutawatawa among the most equipped district hospitals in the country.
“We are proud to say we are now one of the best-equipped district hospitals in Zimbabwe. This will definitely translate to better health outcomes, especially for pregnant women who previously had to travel long distances or wait too long for surgical care,” he said.
