Kuda Pembere
Renovations at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals are progressing steadily, with the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital now about 70 percent complete, while Adlam House, which accommodates nursing students, is more than 90 percent finished.
The Parirenyatwa modernisation programme is expected to serve as a blueprint for other public health institutions and forms part of a broader national drive to rehabilitate critical health infrastructure in order to improve service delivery.
In 2025, President Emmerson Mnangagwa made an unannounced visit to Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, where he expressed concern over the institution’s dilapidated state and directed authorities to fast-track refurbishment works.
Construction on the two facilities began last year, with Prevail Group contracted to handle both projects. Adlam House accommodates 353 nursing students, while Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital has a 300-bed capacity.
Addressing journalists after touring the two sites, Finance Ministry permanent secretary George Guvamatanga said he was impressed by the pace and quality of the work.
“I think we are very pleased with the progress of the refurbishments as well as the quality of the works. Today, we had the opportunity to tour the Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital as well as the nursing school.
“I think the nursing school is, according to my assessment, about 90 to 95 percent complete. Mbuya Nehanda, on the other hand, if you take into consideration the need for medical equipment, beds, linen and even medicines—because you do not want to open a beautiful hospital with good beds, good linen and good equipment but without medication—I would say it is about 60 to 70 percent complete,” he said.
Guvamatanga added that the Government would be engaging Prevail Group, which is offering a turn-key service, to ensure the hospital opens fully operational.
“When we say a turn-key service, all we want is for the doctor to be given the keys, bring in the staff, and the hospital is ready to operate fully equipped.
“Beds, linen, teaspoons, cups—it is a complete service that we are expecting, because we do not want to be running around with tenders for other items. That is why we have said the contractor should provide a turn-key service.
“There are a few areas where we need to fast-track the procurement of equipment, but some of the equipment requires time to be delivered,” he said.
On completion timelines, Guvamatanga said Adlam House is expected to be ready for occupation by Valentine’s Day, while Mbuya Nehanda Maternity Hospital is targeted for completion by Independence Day.
“Immediately after this meeting, I am taking the contractor to my office so that we get a better understanding of the key funding requirements needed to complete the nursing home and have it ready for occupation by Valentine’s Day.
“The nursing home should be ready by Valentine’s Day, and possibly have Mbuya Nehanda open by Independence Day. Those are the targets we are setting,” he said.
Guvamatanga also revealed that similar rehabilitation works are underway at other major hospitals across the country.
“As you can see, we now have world-class facilities, but this is only the beginning. Parirenyatwa is a group of hospitals. We have completed the nursing school and Mbuya Nehanda, but we still have the Annex, many other departments and the main hospital. This is a very good start.
“We have also started work at Sally Mugabe Hospital and Mpilo Hospital. NDS 1 was about prioritising infrastructure so that we create the best environment for our economy to grow, and we have seen that growth. NDS 2 is about prioritising social services.
