UZ completes section of super-specialist hospital

The University of Zimbabwe (UZ) has completed a section of its new super-specialist hospital in Avondale, Harare, which is set to open by August. This part of the hospital will provide specialized services such as eye care, in vitro fertilization, and oral health. It is currently being equipped with advanced medical technology.

The main quinary hospital, located along Mazowe Road near Harare's central business district, is still under construction and expected to be finished within the next year. This US$15 million facility will offer complex medical care, including oncology, cardiology, feto-maternal care, and renal care. It aims to reduce the US$400 million Zimbabweans spend annually on overseas medical treatments.

UZ Vice Chancellor Professor Paul Mapfumo mentioned that the Avondale center's construction is complete, and they are now equipping it. The center should start operating within two to three months. The main hospital faced delays due to funding issues and the unavailability of skilled workers, but progress is being made. The first phase, including the main administration block, outpatient, and oncology buildings, will be completed by the end of the year. The cardiology department will follow in the next phase, taking an additional 12 months.

A quinary hospital, like the UZ facility, offers the highest level of specialized healthcare. Prof. Mapfumo emphasized that this hospital will serve as a major referral center in Zimbabwe, similar to the super-specialist hospitals people seek in countries like India and China. The project, costing US$15 million, is primarily self-funded with some external support, and it exemplifies the new model of Education 5.0.