Maphisa Hospital to establish nursing school

District medical director Matthew Mthunzi has said the Ministry of Health is implementing three major infrastructure projects in the district aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery.

The projects include the completion of Kezi Rural Hospital, refurbishment of the local nursing school, and upgrades at Maphisa District Hospital in Matabeleland South.

Mthunzi said reopening the nursing school would significantly improve the country's health workforce, with plans to enrol between 40 and 50 students in the initial intake. However, he noted that accommodation constraints may require some students to seek housing off-site, as the facility can only accommodate 39 trainees.

He added that the nursing school is expected to be officially commissioned during Independence celebrations, with the first intake anticipated in the second quarter of the year.

On Kezi Hospital, Mthunzi said construction of new structures was necessary due to the deterioration of colonial-era buildings, which were no longer structurally safe.

He also confirmed that the hospital is set to receive an additional ambulance once administrative processes are finalised.

At Maphisa District Hospital, he appealed for the construction of a perimeter fence to improve security at the facility.

Meanwhile, Joseph Mthiyeni, director of Growly Construction Company, said the firm is not only upgrading infrastructure at Kezi Hospital but has also installed a new sewer system to address longstanding sanitation challenges at the facility.

The rehabilitation works form part of broader efforts to improve healthcare infrastructure and service delivery in the district.