DNA testing at hospitals

Government health institutions are going into partnership with the African Institute of Biomedical Science and Technology (AIBST) in the setting up of DNA testing centres.

The public private partnership between health institutions was revealed at the official opening of the AIBST DNA testing centre at Wilkins Hospital in Harare.

Addressing stakeholders at the launch of the centre, Acting President Joice Mujuru said the availability of the technology locally will make a huge contribution to national development by working closely with government departments in the provision of health services.

The Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa said the availability of the DNA testing centre shows the expertise that the country has in the health sector, while the Minister of Home Affairs, Kembo Mohadi said the use of modern technologies will assist in reducing crime.

AIBST founder, Professor Collen Masimirembwa said his organisation has gone into partnership with other government health institutions, which is the success of the public private partnerships.

Acting President Mujuru was taken on a tour of the DNA testing centre while six scientists who participated in the identification of victims of the Chisumbanje national disaster were awarded with certificates of excellence.