Govt works to operationalise Ekusileni hospital

The government is working on modalities to make Ekusileni Hospital an annex of Mpilo Central Hospital Radiotherapy and Nuclear Centre, in a move that could see the institution finally opening its doors to the public.

The hospital, which has been a white elephant for the past 13 years when it was ready for use, could finally open its door for operations if the government's considerations are anything to go by.

Commissioning the newly licensed Radiotherapy and Nuclear Centre at Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo today, the Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr David Parirenyatwa said the government is now finalising modalities on what status to give to Ekusileni Hospital.

"Serious deliberations are ongoing for Ekusileni to become part of this centre we are commissioning today. What is under consideration is whether to make it a breast cancer screening centre, a chemotherapy treatment centre or something like that and this will be done soon," Dr Parirenyatwa said.

Mpilo Hospital Chief Radiologist, Dr Tatenda Chingodzo said the opening of the department at the end of last month has brought relief to cancer patients in the southern region with 60 bookings having been made so far.

"As we speak, radiotherapy treatment of patients began on the 28th of March and nine patients in just five days we have become operational are already receiving treatment. Many patients who have been awaiting either radical or palliative treatment for months and were unable to go to Harare will join those already on treatment," he said.

The radiotherapy equipment acquired five years ago has not been operational despite the disbursement of US$5 million towards the purchase and installation of the equipment with allegations that the fired institution's management allegedly diverted funds meant for the centre.