United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) is undergoing a monumental transformation with a USD 1.5 million state-of-the-art diagnostic laboratory that will end the need for Zimbabweans to travel abroad for specialised medical tests.
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Read E-PaperThe facility, now 75 percent complete, represents Government’s unwavering commitment to modernising healthcare infrastructure and bringing quality diagnostic services closer to the people.
During an inspection visit, Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Honourable Sleiman Timios Kwidini made a bold declaration, stating that UBH houses one of the country’s biggest laboratories and is being equipped to provide a wider range of diagnostic services.
“We have one of the biggest labs in Zimbabwe which is here at UBH. We are going to do tests to make sure that we screen all diseases that can be screened in this world,” said Deputy Minister Kwidini.
He confirmed that equipment installation is progressing rapidly, noting, “We are around 75 percent, especially with the diagnostic machines, to make sure that all tests which are supposed to be done in these laboratories, especially the lab in Harare and the one at Mpilo, are done.”
The Government has set an ambitious timeline, with all installations expected to be completed by the end of 2026 and specialised pathology machines installed by the end of 2026 or during the first quarter of 2027.
“By the end of this year, we expect to have done all the installations to make sure that the tests are going to be done at a one-stop centre,” he said.
He stressed that the installation of pathology machines would further expand the range of tests available at UBH, enabling patients to access specialised diagnostic services without having to seek assistance elsewhere.
Emphasising the importance of strengthening diagnostic capacity, he added, “In order for doctors to treat, they should treat after testing. These machines are needed.”
The development represents a significant investment in Zimbabwe’s healthcare infrastructure and is expected to improve the speed and accuracy of diagnosis, allowing medical practitioners to make informed treatment decisions.
The USD 1.5 million laboratory is also expected to reduce the number of patients who require advanced diagnostic services outside Zimbabwe, helping to retain valuable healthcare resources within the country.
This investment is in line with efforts to strengthen the health delivery system and ensure that Zimbabweans have access to quality healthcare services closer to home.
For Bulawayo, the upgraded UBH laboratory reinforces the city’s position as a major healthcare hub, complementing specialised services available at institutions such as Mpilo Central Hospital.
The completion and commissioning of the laboratory will mark another milestone in the Government’s drive to modernise health facilities and improve access to specialised healthcare services for citizens.
This is healthcare delivery in action, ensuring that no Zimbabwean should travel outside for tests that can now be done at home, delivering cutting-edge diagnostics, empowering medical practitioners, and ultimately saving lives through early and accurate detection.
