Healthcare delivery in Matabeleland North Province is set for a major improvement following the completion of a medical oxygen plant at Lupane Provincial Hospital, a development expected to enhance access to life-saving treatment and reduce operational costs across health facilities.
The facility, developed through a partnership between the Government of Zimbabwe and UNICEF at a cost of about US$500 000, has been fully installed and is now awaiting commissioning. Once operational, it will supply medical oxygen to health institutions across the province, easing long-standing challenges linked to transporting oxygen from Bulawayo to remote districts.
Special Advisor to the President responsible for Monitoring the Implementation of Government Programmes and Projects, Dr Jorum Gumbo, who toured the facility, praised the progress made and the potential impact of the project.
“The completion of the oxygen plant is a particularly significant achievement. The facility has the capacity to serve the entire province, reducing healthcare costs while enhancing the availability of life-saving medical oxygen,” he said.
Provincial Medical Director for Matabeleland North, Dr Admire Kuretu, confirmed that installation work and supporting infrastructure have been completed, with electrification now the only outstanding requirement before the plant begins operations.
“The physical installation of the oxygen plant machinery and associated infrastructure at Lupane Provincial Hospital is complete. All major components are in place and assembled. We are now awaiting electrification, which is the only outstanding component. The plant will serve all seven districts in Matabeleland North Province, while neighbouring provinces will also benefit. It is a high-output facility capable of producing 400 litres of oxygen per minute,” said Dr Kuretu.
He said the development would significantly improve access to medical oxygen, especially for health facilities located far from Bulawayo.
“We believe this project will be a game changer in the way our health institutions operate,” he said.
Community leaders have also welcomed the development, describing it as a vital investment in strengthening healthcare services in the province.
Chief Mabhikwa and Zanele Khumalo said the project would enhance the hospital’s capacity to deliver critical care services, particularly for patients with respiratory conditions.
“The installation of an oxygen plant at Lupane Provincial Hospital is a vital initiative aimed at enhancing the hospital’s capacity to provide life-saving medical oxygen, particularly for patients suffering from respiratory illnesses and those requiring critical care,” they said.
Medical oxygen remains essential for surgeries, emergency response, intensive care, and the treatment of respiratory diseases. Once commissioned, the Lupane plant is expected to strengthen healthcare delivery across Matabeleland North and surrounding provinces as part of broader efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s health sector.
