National Drug Stock Levels Rise to 70%, Up From 49...

National Drug Stock Levels Rise to 70%, Up From 49% Last Year

Rutendo Mazhindu- Zim Now Reporter

National drug stock levels have improved to between 60 and 70 percent — up from 49 percent last year — following a tour of major health facilities in Bulawayo by Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora.

The Minister visited Cowdray Park Mini-Hospital, United Bulawayo Hospitals, Mpilo Hospital, and Ingutsheni Central Hospital to assess service delivery, infrastructure, and resource availability.

He met with medical staff, administrators, and patients to discuss operational challenges and areas requiring urgent intervention.

At Ingutsheni Central Hospital, where he accompanied Vice President Kembo Mohadi, the Vice President commended the institution’s drug availability but stressed the need for rehabilitation.

He noted that the facility, built in 1908, was showing its age and required significant repairs.

“So I have come here to witness for myself what is obtaining here. We will try to get some funding so that we can work on the rehabilitation side of this place,” VP Mohadi said.

At Mpilo Hospital, discussions focused on its research role and capacity to serve as a hub for advanced medical interventions.

Dr Mombeshora emphasised the need for a conducive working environment and ongoing infrastructure development.

In Cowdray Park, he evaluated the mini-hospital’s ability to provide primary healthcare — including maternal and child health services — and praised the dedication of staff working with limited resources.

At UBH, one of Zimbabwe’s main referral centres, the Minister toured wards, pharmacies, and laboratories, underscoring the need for modern equipment, robust infrastructure, and a well-trained workforce to manage complex cases.

Dr Mombeshora said one of the most significant observations from the tour was the improvement in drug stock levels.

“One of the most important things that I have seen today is that our drug stock levels have gone up and on average we are hovering between 60 and 70 percent, which is good,” he said, adding that while the target was 100 percent, the current levels represented progress from 49 percent last year.

The Minister also pointed out the urgent need to replace outdated machinery and renovate aging hospital structures, particularly in teaching hospitals, to ensure medical graduates are trained on modern equipment.