Bulawayo eyes medical tourism

Bulawayo is positioning itself as a potential medical tourism hub as Government and the city council seek to attract investment into healthcare infrastructure, specialised services and modern medical facilities.

The development was highlighted during the renaming of the Cimas Bulawayo Medical Centre to the Sipho Zwana Medical Centre in honour of the late Dr Sipho Leonard Vivian Zwana, one of Zimbabwe's pioneering medical professionals.

Speaking at the ceremony, Bulawayo Deputy Mayor Councillor Edwin Ndlovu said private healthcare providers had an important role to play in complementing public health facilities as demand for medical services continues to increase.

"While our primary focus is providing primary healthcare to mostly the less privileged, you can relieve pressure on us by providing medical access to those who are more financially capable," Ndlovu said.

He said the city wanted to expand access to affordable healthcare while creating an environment capable of attracting further investment into the sector.

"Our vision is to see Bulawayo having more access to medical facilities that are also affordable to our population. When you invest in the health sector, you are investing in our wellbeing, and a healthy society leads to a developed society," he said.

Ndlovu said opportunities for investment were being created through the city's master plan, including developments along the George Avenue Corridor and the Ascot Precinct, where medical suites and related infrastructure are planned.

"Our wish is to develop Bulawayo into a medical tourism city. We believe that Bulawayo can become one of the cities where people travel across the world just to access medical services," he said.

The push comes as the city seeks to strengthen its position as a regional centre for specialised healthcare, potentially attracting patients from across Zimbabwe and neighbouring countries.

Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Bulawayo Metropolitan Province Judith Ncube said the renaming of the facility was a fitting tribute to Dr Zwana's contribution to Zimbabwe's medical profession.

"It is a great honour to join Cimas Health Group, the Zwana family and the people of Bulawayo as we formally honour the late Dr Sipho Leonard Vivian Zwana by renaming the Cimas Bulawayo Medical Centre in his honour," she said.

Ncube described Dr Zwana's career as a story of courage, achievement and service, particularly given the barriers faced by black Zimbabweans entering highly specialised medical professions during his time.

Dr Zwana became the first black doctor to serve at Mpilo Hospital in Bulawayo before going on to become Medical Superintendent at Parirenyatwa Hospital and United Bulawayo Hospitals.

"Your circumstances do not have to determine the size of your contribution. He did not merely enter the profession. He excelled. He served. That is the lesson we must carry forward," Ncube said.

She said Government remained responsible for health policy, regulation and ensuring access to healthcare, while private healthcare providers complemented public services through investments in infrastructure, technology, diagnostics and wellness programmes.

Ncube said the renamed facility should serve both as a memorial to Dr Zwana and as a reminder of the need to continue investing in healthcare.

"Let the Sipho Zwana Medical Centre be both a monument to a pioneer, and a mandate for us to do more. That is how we truly honour 52 years of service. That is how we build the next 100 years of healing," she said.

The city's medical tourism ambitions will ultimately depend on sustained investment in specialised facilities, affordability, skilled medical professionals and supporting infrastructure capable of attracting patients from beyond Bulawayo and Zimbabwe.