Source: Over US$2m raised for Ingutsheni Hospital – herald
Vusumuzi Dube in BULAWAYO
MORE than US$2 million was raised for the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo yesterday during a high-profile fundraising luncheon led by President Mnangagwa and held at the Zimbabwe International Exhibition and Smart City Centre.
The President led by example, donating US$1 million towards the rehabilitation of the facility as well as meeting farming equipment requests and committing to repairing all hospital vehicles in urgent need of attention.
“As the President, I am availing US$1 million and I am also going to avail farm implements requested, with immediate effect,” he told the delegates.
“I understand there are vehicles which require to be repaired, let them be repaired at the expense of the President’s Office.”
Describing Ingutsheni Hospital as “a place of hope and healing for many Zimbabweans who require specialised mental health services”, President Mnangagwa noted the institution’s over a century-long history of service despite challenges during the colonial era.
The luncheon, which brought together Government officials, private sector representatives, and well-wishers, was organised by the office of Vice President Dr Kembo Mohadi in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care.
Speaking at the event, VP Mohadi explained the motivation behind spearheading the fundraising initiative.
He revealed that in August last year, he had visited the institution to familiarise himself with its operations and was largely disappointed at the state that he found the hospital in.
“I observed that the facility operates well beyond its intended capacity. I was deeply appalled by the state of the hospital, considering its importance in society and what is expected of it. The conditions I observed were truly heartbreaking,” VP Mohadi said.
“Healthcare workers, though dedicated and resilient, face enormous challenges, lacking the essential resources to deliver the level of care that our people deserve. As for the patients, the environment and facilities are disappointing.”
He noted that with the scourge of drug and substance abuse affecting the nation’s youth, Ingutsheni Central Hospital is now overwhelmed by overcrowding.
“What moved me the most was the unbreakable spirit of patients and staff members. Despite the conditions, there is hope, strength and a common desire to improve things. Today, we are here with a shared purpose to change that reality, to bring hope, dignity and vital change of Ingutsheni Central Hospital,” said VP Mohadi.
“The importance of facilities like Ingutsheni Central Hospital cannot be overstated. They are essential to the mental and physical well-being of many Zimbabweans. They deserve our collective efforts to rebuild, improve and sustain services. Through our collective efforts and generosity, we can turn this vision into reality.”
The President’s donation immediately spurred further contributions, with Finance, Economic Development and Investment Promotion Minister, Professor Mthuli Ncube, revealing that momentum had already been building even before the formal pledging process.
“By virtue of President Mnangagwa’s attendance alone, we have already sold seats worth US$600 000 for this luncheon, meaning that we already have that figure in the donation bag. It is because of this that I am donating US$20 000 from my own pocket to this cause,” said Prof Ncube.
Other notable donations came from VP Mohadi, who availed US$100 000, businessman and chairperson of the Land Tenure Implementation Committee, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei US$350 000, businessman Mr Obey Chimuka US$150 000 and Special Advisor to the President, Mr Paul Tungwarara US$250 000.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital has been grappling with ageing infrastructure and increasing pressure due to rising cases of mental health conditions and substance abuse disorders.
The fundraising initiative is part of broader efforts to modernise the facility and improve service delivery, with Government and private sector partners expected to play a critical role in bridging the funding gap.
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