Gutu RDC approves 200-bed private hospital plan
GUTU Rural District Council has approved an application by Utsinda Development Trust to construct a modern multi-million dollar 200 bed private hospital in Utsinda communal lands near Mpandawana Growth Point.
The local authority torched a storm early this year when it charged the trust levies amounting to $32 000 as a condition to get a licence to start the project.
During his visit to Gutu to pay condolences to the Gutu family sometime in April following the death three years ago of his uncle Chief Gutu, Mr Amos Kasirai Masanganise, President Robert Mugabe criticised Gutu RDC for scuttling the project by charging unjustifiable levies.
Utsinda Development Trust director Professor Rangarirai Masanganise, a retired ophthalmologist thanked the Government for its intervention.
He said when complete, the hospital will employ five doctors, two of them specialists, and 10 nurses.
Professor Masanganise said while the hospital will be a 200 bed facility, the institution will give prominence to clinical care on outpatient basis.
“Gutu RDC has finally listened to the voice of reason. There is progress on the multimillion dollar private hospital after we were given permission to work on our five hectare near Utsimba Hill in Chief Gutu’s area,” he said.
“I would like to thank government for assisting us in our endeavour to improve people’s access to quality health delivery system.”
Prof Masanganise could not state the exact cost of the project.
He said he was moved to undertake the project by the plight of rural people who walk long distances for health services.
“I am giving back to my community. I am a medical doctor- an ophthalmologist to be precise- who has retired and I’ve realised that I cannot enjoy my retirement if people in my area cannot access quality health.
“The plight of people who I know has motivated me into coming up with such an initiative and I am grateful to government for giving me the permission to realise my dream,” he said.— @ walterbmswazie2