Zimbabwe is taking another major step towards expanding access to specialised healthcare after Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo introduced hip and knee replacement surgery, giving patients who previously had to seek treatment abroad a chance to receive life-changing care at home.
The milestone is being marked through a two-day surgical camp at the hospital, where a team of 10 Zimbabwean surgeons is conducting free hip and knee replacement procedures for selected patients.
The programme is being supported through Government’s collaboration with private partners, including Utando Africa, and will also facilitate the exchange of expertise between Zimbabwean and Italian specialists.
Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora said an Italian specialist would join the local team as part of an exchange programme focused on knee replacement surgery.
“An Italian specialist is going to be joining the team to conduct these life-changing surgeries. He specialises in knee surgeries, so this is part of an exchange programme between Zimbabwe and Italy,” he said.
Led by Dr Jabu Mthethwa, the medical team says the initiative demonstrates the growing capacity of Zimbabwe’s health sector to provide complex orthopaedic services locally.
“For years, these patients had to access specialist services outside the country. Today, we are showing that our people can now access this service here. There is no need for them to travel miles to access hip and knee surgery,” Dr Mthethwa said.
The programme is already changing lives, particularly among elderly patients who have endured years of pain and limited mobility.
Among the beneficiaries is 73-year-old Ntombikayise Musvaburi, who said she had been unable to move freely for four years because of her condition.
“I have not been mobile for four years now. I cannot do anything for myself. I cannot believe that I will be able to walk again. It is like I am dreaming,” she said.
Another patient, who had suffered from severe pain for three years, described the surgery as a source of renewed hope.
“I have had this problem for three years. The pain is unbearable. When they told me that I would be going for surgery, I was full of hope,” the beneficiary said.
For others, the procedures offer an opportunity to return to productive lives after injuries left them unable to work.
One beneficiary said he suffered a serious injury while playing social soccer, which subsequently affected his ability to earn a living.
“I got injured while playing social soccer. This has really affected my socio-economic well-being because I cannot work anymore,” he said.
Orthopaedic and Trauma Specialist Dr Prince Gwetu explained that joint replacement involves removing damaged parts of the hip or knee and replacing them with artificial components made from materials such as metal and plastic.
“There is a lot of preparation involved when preparing for this procedure. What hip and joint replacement means in simple terms is the removal of the damaged hip or knee joint. We remove the damaged joint and replace it with an artificial one made of metal and plastic. This helps patients to walk again,” he said.
The introduction of the service at Mpilo is expected to reduce the need for patients to seek treatment outside Zimbabwe while strengthening local expertise in advanced orthopaedic care.
Beyond the surgical procedures, the initiative represents a broader shift towards bringing specialised healthcare closer to communities.
For patients who have spent years living with debilitating pain and restricted movement, the availability of hip and knee replacement surgery locally offers more than medical treatment it provides renewed mobility, independence, dignity and hope.
