The Community Working Group on Health (CWGH) has raised concerns over the prolonged power crisis at Ngomahuru Psychiatric Hospital in Masvingo.
The organisation warned that the outage highlights serious weaknesses within Zimbabwe’s public healthcare system.
The mental health facility has operated without electricity since 7 April. A lightning strike damaged its transformer, causing the disruption.
Although ZESA replaced the damaged transformer, the hospital remains without power. Officials are still waiting for a cable worth around US$10,000.
CWGH executive director Itai Rusike said the situation shows the struggles affecting many public health institutions.
Speaking to The Midweek Watch, Rusike explained that healthcare workers often face difficult conditions. He added that poor infrastructure continues to affect service delivery.
Electricity shortages threaten patient treatment
Rusike said unreliable power supplies can disrupt essential medical services. As a result, patients may experience delays in receiving proper care.
“The prolonged power cuts at health facilities affect the ability of health workers to diagnose, treat and manage conditions effectively,” said Rusike.
“Hence, health facilities should be allocated dedicated electricity lines that are exempted from power cuts and disruptions.
“Theatres and laboratories need electricity to function properly and for staff to conduct tests. When these services are not available, patients may be forced to seek healthcare from the private sector, which may be too expensive for the majority of poor people who do not have private medical aid insurance cover.”
CWGH calls for renewable energy investment
Rusike urged the Government to strengthen energy solutions for public hospitals. He believes renewable energy could provide reliable power during national electricity challenges.
Furthermore, he stressed that stable electricity remains critical for delivering quality healthcare services.
The CWGH executive director said health facilities require urgent investment. He warned that continued power shortages could further strain Zimbabwe’s already pressured public health system.
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