MILLICENT HUNGWE
ZVISHAVANE–In a move to improve hygienic standards and the overall environment, White District Hospital has demolished an unlicensed and unsanitary food outlet that had become an eyesore and potential health hazard at the critical health institution.
The makeshift food stall, which was covered in black sheeting, had drawn criticism from the community and hospital staff was demolished on September 17 after the story came out in The Midweek Watch.
It was located at the hospital’s entrance, raising concerns about the risk it posed to patients’ health.
“It’s not ethical for such an unhygienic operation to be allowed at a medical institution like this; there is an abuse of office by the medical workers because there is a hygienic, structured facility available for use on the same premises,” said Kamino Simango, the chairperson of the Original Resident and Ratepayers Association in Zvishavane.
White District Hospital medical superintendent Dr. Takawira Chichevo acknowledged that he was unaware of the tuck shop’s existence until the issue was brought to his attention by The Midweek Watch.
He called for constructive criticism and open communication to ensure the hospital meets the highest standards of hygiene and patient care.
Dr Chichevo confirmed the demolition, stating that it would “improve the hospital’s hygienic standards.”
In addition, Simango applauded the hospital’s swift response and the demolition, describing it as a positive step towards creating a cleaner and healthier environment for patients, staff, and visitors at the health institution.
