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Ekusileni Medical Centre

Thandeka Moyo, Health Reporter
THE Member of Parliament for Mpopoma-Pelandaba Constituency, Cde Joseph Tshuma, has urged Government to investigate reasons behind delays in opening Ekusileni Hospital in Bulawayo.

Contributing to debate in Parliament on Tuesday, a livid Cde Tshuma said there were companies willing to run the institution, but it seems there are elements bent on sabotaging Government efforts.

The hospital was built in 2001, operated for a few months and was subsequently shut down after it was discovered that the acquired equipment, worth millions of dollars, was obsolete.

“I would like this to be put on record that this Ekusileni matter must be investigated because I am told that there are companies willing to open the hospital,” said Cde Tshuma.

“I approached Dr Nyasha Masuka who was appointed to head the Ekusileni committee. He actually showed me evidence saying that there are about nine international companies and three local guys who have put in their proposals and are willing to make sure that the hospital can be opened yesterday, but maybe because somebody somewhere wants a cut somewhere they are hindering that thing from opening. Is that right?”

He challenged Government to prioritise Ekusileni just like other hospitals in the country.

“The late Vice President Joshua Nkomo died and left it not functioning. Another Vice President came in, Dr John Landa Nkomo and he died and it is still not functioning. Now, we have got another Vice President (Mphoko), should he die again and still it will not be functioning? How fair is that to the people of Bulawayo and Matabeleland. When they start talking you think they are being tribalistic, yet these are sincere issues that are there,” Cde Tshuma said.

He said he was also disturbed by the failure by Treasury to avail $65 000 needed for the dysfunctional cancer unit at Mpilo Central Hospital.

“I went to Mpilo and asked the CEO of the hospital what the problem was. He said they needed $65 000 and had been trying to speak to Treasury for them to release that money so that the company that repairs the machine can come from South Africa and do it. They will not come before they get this payment.

“Are you honestly telling me that we are failing to release $65 000 only so that the Mpilo Hospital Cancer Unit can start working again? We have got cancer patients in Bulawayo who are dying every day and we are just sitting on our laurels,” Cde Tshuma said.

He said such delays were sabotaging President Mugabe’s drive to address economic challenges.

“How do you resuscitate an economy with such kinds of mindsets?” the legislator asked.

Last year, the Ministry of Health and Child Care constituted a committee chaired by Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Nyasha Masuka to work towards opening Ekusileni.

@thamamoe