Makonde Hospital faces closure

MAKONDE Christian Hospital, which is the biggest referral institution in Mhangura, has hit hard times and is facing imminent closure.

In a meeting held recently at the institution, Makonde Christian Hospital board chairperson Mr James Masango said the hospital was operating on a shoestring budget, which was making it difficult for the hospital staff to offer good services.

The hospital, he said, was relying on handouts from well-wishers.

The 120-bed Church of Christrun institution’s board has also been castigated for failing to develop the hospital despite getting donations from different countries.

The hospital has a 1974 Siemens X-ray machine, which was installed 40 years ago, and has been developing regular technical and electrical faults.

“The hospital account has less than $100, which is supposed to cater for all the health services, including transportation of patients and purchasing of food stuffs.

“Operating equipment and machinery has become obsolete as they were installed decades ago, while their parts are no longer available on the market,” Mr Masango said.

The hospital administrator, Mr Tauzen Kadungure, said stakeholders were still interested in running the hospital.

“The hospital has outstanding electrical, water and gas bills amounting to $29 300.

We receive less than $50 per week, which has made it difficult for the institution to run efficiently,” he said.

Dr Joseph Goshomi, who was engaged by the board to attend to patients, is also owed an undisclosed amount and has since opted out of the institution.

Mr Masango, however, pledged to pay the doctor for the next three months.

Stakeholders at the meeting also proposed the introduction of income-generating projects at the health institution.