Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care has procured a heart-lung machine and a heater-cooler system for use in open-heart surgeries at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
In a statement yesterday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care said the new equipment marks an important milestone in strengthening specialised healthcare services.
“The Government of Zimbabwe, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, has procured a heart-lung machine and a heater-cooler for use in open-heart surgery at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals.
This equipment will allow cardiothoracic surgeons in the country to undertake more cases,” the Ministry added
The ministry said the investment is part of a broader strategy to improve access to advanced medical care in line with the national vision of achieving universal health coverage.
“The procurement of this machinery is a demonstration of our commitment to ensure that citizens have access to high-level clinical services within our public health institutions,” the statement said.
Open-heart surgery requires highly specialised equipment, and the heart-lung machine plays a critical role by taking over the functions of the heart and lungs during surgery.
The heater-cooler system supports the procedure by regulating a patient’s body temperature, which is vital for successful outcomes. Until now, limited availability of such equipment has constrained the number of procedures that could be conducted locally.
Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, the country’s largest referral centre, is expected to scale up operations in its cardiothoracic unit following the installation of the machinery.
According to the ministry, the acquisition also supports ongoing efforts to retain specialist skills within the health sector.
“By equipping our hospitals with modern technology, we are creating an enabling environment for our cardiothoracic surgeons and enhancing their ability to save more lives,” the statement noted.
The Government said it will continue prioritising investments in critical healthcare infrastructure as part of its drive to improve service delivery across the country.
“Our focus remains on building a resilient health system that responds effectively to the needs of the population,” the ministry added.
The equipment is expected to be commissioned in the coming weeks once installation and calibration processes are completed.
