City Of Harare | City breaks new ground …...as first low density Polyclinic construction gets underway

Council has commenced construction of its first Polyclinic in low density suburbs, a move set to relieve many, especially those in need of low cost maternity services. Marlborough is set to be the first low density suburb to have a Polyclinic which is going to be constructed alongside a Fire Station and an Early Childhood Development (ECD) Centre. The construction of the Fire Station is expected to boost emergency services response times in the north-western suburbs as there we no such services in the area. Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony held at Civic centre ground in Marlborough City Epidemiologist Dr Michael Vere who stood in for City Health Director said the department is excited about the project. “Marlborough Satellite clinic is one of the best situated satellite clinics in Harare, it is located at a shopping center where there are other council services are offered at the District Officer’s office. “The move to upgrade the satellite clinic to a polyclinic would further diversify services offered by the city in this area therefore creating a one stop shop. “So, this is the first of its kind and we are therefore excited to launch it,” he said. Dr Vere said not all residents in the low-density areas can afford maternity services offered in the private sector because of the steep pricing. “Council polyclinics offer cheaper maternity services, for a maternity fee of 25 USD, a pregnant woman can access Ante Natal Care, delivery, Post Natal Care and immunizations until child is 5 years old. “Therefore, this polyclinic will go a long way in improving both financial and physical accessibility of maternity services to residents of this area,” he said. He said Harare does not have secondary level of care like district hospitals as what obtains in the provinces. “We therefore have a scenario where the lowest level of care in the health delivery system in Harare refers to the highest level of care. “This results in congestion of quaternary hospitals with cases that would ideally be managed at a secondary level of care. “This clinic which we are launching here, in addition to offering maternity services, will also provide theatre, radiology, laboratory, dental, and a 24-hour casualty services. “This expansion of services would allow the city to provide some secondary level of care and therefore to some extent reduce the need to refer to the quaternary level of care,” he said. Dr Vere said this will ultimately result in decongestion of the quaternary hospitals. “Thus, we have a clear vision to ensure there is an efficient health referral system in the city. “We continue to call for the establishment of at least four district Hospitals and one Provincial hospital in Harare. “Harare is the largest province in the country with almost 20% of Zimbabwe population and should ideally have more than 10 district hospitals,” he said. He added that the clinic will also provide affordable private health care services to residents and the city will invite specialist doctors like orthopedic and general and physicians to render services to the people. “These doctors will utilize theatre and admission facilities that will be available at this clinic for a nominal fee. “This arrangement which is also available in central hospitals will ensure financial sustainability of the facility. Dr Vere said primary healthcare should not remain rudimentary but should evolve to become all-encompassing so the department serves residents more efficiently. “Marlborough clinic project signals a journey in redefining primary health care in Harare and ensuring that residents get quality, comprehensive, accessible, affordable health services nearest to where they reside. He called on Marlborough residents and Harare in general to support the initiative with material and financial resources and added that the department will add Mbare Polyclinic to the clinics that will expand the scope of health services.

City breaks new ground …...as first low density Polyclinic construction gets und...

City breaks new ground …...as first low density Polyclinic construction gets underway

Council has commenced construction of its first Polyclinic in low density suburbs, a move set to relieve many, especially those in need of low cost maternity services.