Vice President Dr Constantino Chiwenga, who is also the Health and Child Care Minister has created the Department of Infrastructure Development in his ministry to spearhead infrastructure projects at health institutions.
Health and Child Care Deputy Minister Dr John Mangwiro revealed this on Sunday at Mpilo Central Hospital where he was touring doctors and nurses’ flats that are under renovation.
He said the Department of Infrastructure Development in the Ministry will focus on infrastructural development.
Dr Mangwiro said Government is also committed to completing some of the abandoned infrastructure projects at different hospitals.
“The Vice President came up with the Department of Infrastructure Development with a chief director who will be coordinating such projects and reporting to him and the permanent secretary. We have said as a Government that by 2030 things must be different and we are happy we have started witnessing that change,” said Dr Mangwiro.
He said improving the conditions of service of civil servants remains on top of the Government’s agenda as the country is losing a lot of skilled workers to other nations.
The health sector lost a number of nurses and doctors who left the country for greener pastures during the past few years.
“There has been a lot of it (brain drain), health workers leaving much faster. That is what we are out to improve so the we retain our skilled manpower. We do not just want to keep those who are here but we also want those who are abroad to come back and participate in the development of their country” said Dr Mangwiro.
He said Government was improving standards and the general working conditions because it appreciates the importance of a happy workforce.
“Conditions of service are causing the flight of doctors and nurses but we are doing our best to meet the standards and demands of the health care workers so that we are at par with the region and the rest of the world. These flats will be completed very soon and similar work is underway at Ingutsheni Central Hospital and many other hospitals”, said Dr Mangwiro”
He said the rehabilitation and construction of doctors and nurses’ quarters across the country is meant to ensure decent accommodation for all health workers. Dr Mangwiro said non-monetary benefits of civil servants will be strengthened as a measure to retain workers.
