President Emmerson Mnangagwa has urged the nation’s leaders, private sector, and development partners to join government efforts in modernising Ingutsheni Central Hospital, a facility that has provided specialised mental health services to Zimbabweans for over a century.
Addressing delegates at the Ingutsheni Fundraising Luncheon held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) in Bulawayo recently, President Mnangagwa said his administration remained committed to safeguarding the people’s health as well as improving access to quality and affordable health delivery at all levels.
“Our focus under the Second Republic has been on deploying multi‑pronged efforts towards universal access to quality, affordable and comprehensive health services.
Robust public health institutions with modern infrastructure, supported by domestic resource mobilisation, innovation and the local manufacturing of medicines and medical supplies are central to the country’s health strategy,” President said.
President Mnangagwa noted the broader context of healthcare challenges.
“Our country, the SADC region and African continent at large, require home‑grown solutions to public health challenges, as indispensable ingredients to build resilient systems that safeguard the lives and livelihoods of our peoples.
Similarly, to achieving health sovereignty, there is need for sustainable financing mechanisms and self‑sufficiency in a world with shifting trends and shrinking external support,” he added.
Turning to Ingutsheni Central Hospital, the President described the mental health facility as one that has served generations of Zimbabweans.
“For more than a century and Ingutsheni Hospital remains a place of hope and healing for many of our citizens who require specialised mental health services,” President Mnangagwa said.
President Mnangagwa drew attention to the rising mental health burden, stating, “Mental health challenges affect societies worldwide, and Zimbabwe is no exception. Shifting social and economic pressures have heightened the susceptibility of many individuals to mental health conditions.
A considerable number of admissions to acute psychiatric wards at Ingutsheni Central Hospital are related to alcohol and drug‑related conditions,” President Mnangagwa noted.
The President urged the business community and well‑wishers to donate generously. “Together, we can transform this institution into a centre of excellence in mental health care.”
President Mnangagwa’s call for collaboration underscores Government’s commitment to modernising public health infrastructure and addressing the growing mental health challenges in Zimbabwe.
