Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has resumed operating on
patients on the waiting list, also known as electives (scheduled surgeries),
following a resolution by consultant doctors, which was done on the
consideration that theatre supplies and other sundries have improved.
This comes in the wake of extension of a deadline for
bidders interested in refurbishing, re-equipping and establishing a super
specialist hospital on a public private partnership (PPP) model at the
institution to May 3 2019.
The model was also discussed at the doctors’ meeting which
concluded that there was need for more information from Government to enable
the doctors input meaningfully into the proposed partnership.
Public relations officer for Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals
Mr Linos Dhire yesterday confirmed resumption of the electives and commended
the doctors for their decision.
He said the hospital management will continue looking into
the other issues raised by the doctors.
“We have seen the document (resolution by the doctors) and
we are happy with the developments therein,” said Dr Dhire. “Management has
also taken note of the issues raised in that document and the action items are
going to be pursued immediately.
“Efforts will be made to continue improving the situation.”
Elective surgeries were halted last month following
concerns by the consultants that there were no drugs or sundries to continue
with scheduled operations.
Since then, only emergency operations were taking place at
the hospital.
One of the doctors who preferred to speak on condition of
anonymity citing protocol said they held a meeting on Thursday where they
resolved to resume operations, as scheduled since theatre supplies had
improved.
“The meeting noted that there has been a slight improvement
in availability of recovery room monitors and anaesthetic machines,” said the
doctor. “The anaesthetic team said they were ready to start the electives.”
The doctor said the burns unit reported that it was
satisfied with the supplies made so far and expressed concern over continued
halting of electives, which is disadvantaging patients.
He said the pharmacy department reported improvement of
general sundries following supplies from the National Pharmaceutical Company.
The source said although some doctors like gynaecologists
felt that the situation had not improved in their areas of work, the consensus
was a resumption of electives.
“Following these and other considerations, including
patients’ needs for our services, it was agreed that elective surgery should be
resumed, though at a low scale in tandem with the available resources,” said
the source.
“Regarding the establishment of super specialist units, it
was felt that official communication on the purpose of the PPP and the
technical aspects involved to make this a reality should be made from those
spearheading it so that the consultants can digest and give their opinion
formally.”
In yesterday’s Government Gazette, Government said it
wished to engage a firm or consortium to refurbish and re-equip various
sections of the hospital to modern standards, while operating a
super-speciality hospital wing or section within the hospital grounds.
“The firm or consortium will be responsible for assessing,
refurbishing, re-equipping and upgrading of diagnostic services, pharmaceutical
services, operating theatre suites, critical care areas, accident and emergency
department, ophthalmology services, rehabilitation services, ward
infrastructure and furniture, radiotherapy services, water, electricity and gas
supply, corridors, walls, ceilings and floor,” reads part of the Government
Gazette.
On selection criteria for the PPP, Government said it will
consider the bidders’ resources that will be channelled into the joint venture,
key professional staff with relevant qualifications, managerial and
organisational capacity, track record and experience in similar projects.
The project scope sums up challenges the institution and
other public health institutions have been facing for several years, some of
which led to cessation of elective surgeries by senior doctors at Parirenyatwa
Group of Hospitals.
Chitungwiza Central Hospital under the leadership of the
now Minister of Health and Child Care Dr Obadiah Moyo provided a typical
example on how public private partnerships can sustain public institutions
under the current economic environment.
PPPs are also in line with Government’s Vision 2030, which
seeks to transform the country into middle income economy by the year 2030.
Herald
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