Masvingo urban is set to make major strides in maternal and child health care with the completion of a new maternity wing at Runyararo Clinic, scheduled to begin operations next month.
A quiet wave of excitement is sweeping through Runyararo suburb as the new facility constructed by the Masvingo City Council promises to bring safer childbirth services closer to the community. The development is expected to reduce maternal and infant mortality rates while easing pressure on overstretched health centres.
Health officials say the new wing will play a critical role in decongesting existing facilities and improving the quality of care for expectant mothers.
“This facility will go a long way in decongesting other maternity centres in Masvingo. We have been experiencing high volumes, but this additional wing will improve efficiency and allow us to provide better quality care,” said the city’s Director of Health Services, Suzanne Madamombe.
Masvingo Town Clerk, Engineer Edward Mukaratirwa, said the US$55 000 project is proceeding smoothly and will open next month.
“We embarked on this project because we prioritise healthcare services. The project was funded through internal revenue and the beer levy. We are now acquiring maternity equipment, and the wing will be operational next month. Our goal is to convert all four clinics into polyclinics, and Runyararo will be the third one,” he said.
For many women, the new maternity wing represents renewed hope and relief.
“We are happy that they are establishing this maternity wing here in Runyararo. We used to go to Mazorodze Clinic or Masvingo General, and many times those centres were full.
The quality of this building shows that we will be receiving quality healthcare services. With this development, the number of women giving birth at home will significantly decrease,” residents said.
The expansion aligns with the Second Republic’s drive to strengthen the country’s health sector through the construction and refurbishment of clinics, hospitals, and maternity facilities.
