By Loyd Matare
Nedbank has invested more than US$200,000 towards the refurbishment and equipment upgrade of Edith Opperman Maternity Hospital Clinic in Harare in a move aimed at strengthening maternal and neonatal healthcare services.
The project includes infrastructure improvements, installation of reliable power systems and procurement of modern medical equipment to enhance service delivery at the facility.
Speaking during the event yesterday, Harare Mayor Councillor Jacob Mafume said improving municipal health facilities was part of broader efforts to expand healthcare services closer to communities.
“We are going to expand our polyclinics. We want to create a theatre.
“As you know, we are the only local authority in Zimbabwe which has done 148 caesarean operations in Mabvuku since last quarter,” Mafume said.
He said the city plans to introduce theatre facilities at selected clinics to handle minor procedures and reduce pressure on central hospitals.
“We must have theatre facilities close by to deal with minor operations and allow our central hospitals to focus on complicated operations from the rest of the country,” he said.
The refurbishment works at Edith Opperman Clinic include structural maintenance, repairs and upgrades valued at US$113,000, while US$32,000 was allocated towards labour costs.
To ensure uninterrupted services, the facility has been equipped with a 22 KVA backup generator and a 12 KVA full solar power system, strengthening its ability to operate during power outages.
Nedbank Acting Managing Director Heresy Herry said the investment reflects the importance of strengthening maternal health services.
“Maternal and child health lies at the heart of sustainable national development.
“Healthy mothers raise healthy families, and healthy families build resilient communities,” Herry said.
He added that the bank also procured medical equipment valued at US$92,000 for the clinic.
The equipment includes four incubators for neonatal care, two baby resuscitators, four delivery beds, 30 ward beds and 30 bedside lockers, as well as a vital organs monitoring machine, autoclave, centrifuge and resuscitation equipment to support maternal and neonatal care.
