Marlborough Polyclinic to avail low-cost maternity...

Marlborough Polyclinic to avail low-cost maternity services to low density suburb

Bridget Mabanda

Marlborough is set to be the first low density suburb to have a polyclinic which is going to be constructed alongside a Fire Station and an Early Childhood Development Centre as Harare City Council has started construction of its first polyclinic in low density suburbs.

The council said the move is set to relieve many, especially those in need of low-cost maternity services.

Dr Vere, who spoke on behalf on behalf of the City Health Director, said the department is excited about the project.

“The move to upgrade the satellite clinic to a polyclinic would further diversify services offered by the city in this area therefore creating a one stop shop. So, this is the first of its kind and we are therefore excited to launch it,” he said.

He said council polyclinics offer cheaper maternity services, for a maternity fee of US$25, a pregnant woman can access Ante Natal Care, delivery, Post Natal Care and immunisations until child is five years old.

Therefore, this polyclinic will go a long way in improving both financial and physical accessibility of maternity services to residents of this area.

Dr Vere said Harare does not have secondary level of care like district hospitals as what obtains in the provinces.

“We therefore have a scenario where the lowest level of care in the health delivery system in Harare refers to the highest level of care which results in congestion of quaternary hospitals with cases that would ideally be managed at a secondary level of care.

“Harare is the largest province in the country with almost 20% of Zimbabwe population and should ideally have more than 10 district hospitals,” he said.

He added that the clinic will also provide affordable private health care services to residents and the city will invite specialist doctors like orthopaedic and general and physicians to render services to the people.

The Marlborough clinic project signals a journey in redefining primary health care in Harare and ensuring that residents get quality, comprehensive, accessible, affordable health services nearest to where they reside.

Meanwhile, the city council has called on Marlborough residents and Harare in general to support the initiative with material and financial resources and added that the department will add Mbare Polyclinic to the clinics that will expand the scope of health services.