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MASVINGO — The maternity unit at City of Masvingo run Runyararo Northwest Medical Centre is currently operating under high patient volumes as the city’s catchment area experiences a growing population.
The City council health department says the existing maternity space is no longer sufficient to adequately accommodate the increasing number of expectant mothers seeking delivery services.
The clinic located in Runyararo west high density suburb now caters for two additional residential areas, Victoria Ranch and Garaikai hlalani kuhle housing schemes which lack basic social amenities including running water and sewer reticulation.
Victoria ranch since its establishment over a decade and half ago has grown to be one of the populous high density residential areas on the fringes of Masvingo City’ commonage.
This has resulted in demand increase of services offered by the local authority which include refuse collection, vending stalls and medical services further straining the already struggling city council
In response, Masvingo city Council in a statement said “Some clients visiting Northwest maternity home are now being referred to the next nearest maternity health facility when capacity is exceeding,”
Council only has two fully functional maternity homes, at Runyararo Northwest and Mazorodze clinics and the construction of a third one at Runyararo maternity clinic are already afoot.
Officials say these referrals are being made in the best interests of patients to avoid overcrowding in the labour ward, maintain high standards of maternal and neonatal care, and ensure timely and safe deliveries.
City Health Department representatives acknowledge that referrals may cause some inconvenience, but emphasize that safety and quality of care remain the top priorities.
“Plans are already underway to improve and expand maternity services to better meet the needs of the community, the City Health Department reiterates its commitment to safe motherhood and quality care for all,” the statement added.
