President Mnangagwa pledges US$1million to Ingutsheni Hospital Renovations

President Emmerson Mnangagwa has pledged US$1 million towards the rehabilitation of Ingutsheni Central Hospital, reinforcing Government efforts to modernise Zimbabwe’s largest mental health institution.

Speaking during a fundraising event held at the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF) grounds on Friday, the President announced that the funds would be made available immediately, alongside additional material support for the hospital.

“As the President, I am availing US$1 million and the farm implements requested with immediate effect. In addition, vehicles that need to be repaired should be done at the expense of the President’s Office,” he said.

The fundraising initiative, spearheaded by the Office of Vice President Colonel (Rtd) Dr Kembo Campbell Dugish Mohadi in collaboration with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, aims to raise US$5 million for the refurbishment of Ingutsheni Central Hospital and its Drug Rehabilitation Centre.

Vice President Mohadi pledged US$100 000 towards the cause, while several institutions, corporates and individuals also made contributions during the event.

Among the tertiary institutions, the University of Zimbabwe donated US$15 000, the National University of Science and Technology pledged US$15 000, and Great Zimbabwe University contributed US$10 000.

Corporate and organisational pledges included US$20 000 from Safeway Technology, US$10 000 from the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair (ZITF), and US$10 000 from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) Corporate Social Responsibility Fund.

United Bulawayo Hospitals contributed US$10 000, while the Grain Millers Association committed to providing staple food supplies for the hospital until the same period next year.

Businessman Dr Kudakwashe Tagwireyi pledged US$350 000, with Obey Chimuka contributing US$150 000. Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube made a personal donation of US$20 000, while the MHMK Foundation, led by George Manyere, pledged US$20 000.

ZANU PF donated US$100 000, and the Ministry of Defence contributed US$5 000.

Additional support came in various forms, including psycho-social services and human resources from Arise and Shine Community Development, soap and towels from Body Builders for ED, and a tonne of rice alongside a chatbot system for hospital use from Nketa legislator Honourable Mavunga.

Denver Investment pledged a beast for relish as well as a stand donation valued at US$10 000 to be raffled, while the Title Deeds for ED initiative committed scholarships for five children of Ingutsheni patients under an early childhood development programme.

Organisers confirmed that a total of US$2 152 800 has been raised so far towards the US$5 million target.

The rehabilitation programme is expected to improve infrastructure, expand rehabilitation services and enhance mental health care delivery at Ingutsheni Central Hospital, which has served Zimbabweans for more than a century.