The Epworth Local Board has begun the process of converting its main clinic into a general hospital, aiming to enhance healthcare services and offer more advanced medical care to the growing community.
Until now, the densely populated Harare East suburb has operated without a hospital, relying solely on a single clinic that has struggled to meet the increasing demand for medical treatment.
Over the years, Epworth’s population has surged by more than 300%, placing immense pressure on its limited healthcare infrastructure.
Epworth Local Board Town Secretary, Dr. Wilton Mhanda, confirmed the development, describing it as a much-needed step.
He noted that as Epworth transitions from its historical status as an informal settlement into a formal urban area, a hospital is not just beneficial—it’s essential.
“Upgrading our local clinic to a general hospital is long overdue. Our area is gradually becoming a town, and with that transition comes the need for improved healthcare services,” Mhanda stated.
The exponential growth in Epworth’s population has led to a sharp rise in health-related challenges. Clinics in the area are increasingly overwhelmed, with long queues and limited capacity becoming the norm.
This has made it difficult for healthcare workers to attend to patients efficiently, creating a bottleneck in service delivery.
Dr. Mhanda acknowledged that the current healthcare facilities are under immense strain due to a shortage of staff, medical supplies, and equipment.
“We’re seeing a significant rise in the number of patients seeking care daily, and our clinics are no longer able to keep up.
This situation calls for immediate action to expand our capacity and ensure no one is turned away from care,” he added.
Clinics typically handle outpatient services such as basic consultations, minor illnesses, chronic disease management, and preventive care.
In contrast, hospitals offer a broader range of services, including emergency treatment, surgical procedures, inpatient care, and specialized services for serious conditions like cancer, neurological disorders, and major trauma.
Although some illnesses may be incurable, hospitals are equipped with advanced technology and facilities that can provide life-sustaining treatment and improve quality of care for patients with complex medical needs.
With the new hospital project underway, Epworth residents can look forward to improved access to comprehensive healthcare services that better match the needs of a rapidly growing urban population.
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