UBH gets US$1.5m diagnostic laboratory

United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) is set for a major boost to its diagnostic capacity following the establishment of a US$1.5 million specialised medical laboratory expected to expand access to advanced testing in Zimbabwe.

The state-of-the-art facility is part of Government's efforts to modernise healthcare infrastructure, improve the quality of diagnostic services and reduce the number of patients travelling outside the country for specialised tests.

Speaking to Zimfocus Online News, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Timios Kwidini said UBH, which houses one of the country's largest laboratories, was being equipped to provide a broader range of diagnostic services.

"We have one of the biggest labs in Zimbabwe which is here at UBH. We are going to do tests to make sure that we screen all diseases that can be screened in this world," said Deputy Minister Kwidini.

He said the project was about 75 percent complete, particularly with regard to the installation of diagnostic equipment.

"We are around 75 percent, especially with the diagnostic machines, to make sure that all tests which are supposed to be done in these laboratories, especially the lab in Harare and the one at Mpilo, are done," he said.

Government expects to complete the installation of the required equipment by the end of this year, while some specialised pathology machines are expected to be installed by the end of 2026 or during the first quarter of 2027.

"By the end of this year, we expect to have done all the installations to make sure that the tests are going to be done at a one-stop centre," Kwidini said.

The installation of specialised pathology equipment is expected to further widen the range of tests available at the facility, allowing patients to access advanced diagnostic services locally.

Kwidini emphasised that accurate diagnosis was critical to effective treatment.

"In order for doctors to treat, they should treat after testing. These machines are needed," he said.

The upgraded laboratory is expected to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, enabling medical practitioners to make informed treatment decisions and potentially improving patient outcomes.

The investment is also expected to reduce the number of patients requiring specialised diagnostic services outside Zimbabwe, helping to retain healthcare resources and expertise within the country.

For Bulawayo, the development is set to strengthen the city's role as a major healthcare hub, complementing specialised services offered at institutions such as Mpilo Central Hospital.

The completion and commissioning of the facility will mark another step in Government's drive to modernise the country's health infrastructure and expand access to specialised healthcare services closer to home.