Online Reporter
Sunday Mail Reporter
THE National Social Security Authority (NSSA) is working on a plan to renovate one of its properties — Icombe Flats — in Harare into a modern medical village to address accommodation needs of local medical personnel.
This initiative seeks to provide convenience for doctors and nurses, particularly those serving at the country’s main referral centre, Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals, and other medical institutions.
NSSA board chairperson Dr Emmanuel Fundira told The Sunday Mail that the project aligns with the authority’s long-term strategy to enhance healthcare provision in Zimbabwe.
While the project has been agreed on in principle, discussions with the Ministry of Health and Child Care are underway.
“One of the primary motivations behind creating the medical village is to combat the alarming trend of medical personnel, especially young doctors and nurses, migrating to other countries for better opportunities,” said Dr Fundira.
“By offering affordable and convenient accommodation, NSSA aims to retain skilled professionals within the country’s healthcare system.
“So, this is one of the projects we are working on this year.”
The initiative, he also said, is crucial for ensuring that health personnel are adequately supported.
“Moreover, by providing accommodation close to their workplaces, we hope to reduce commute times and improve overall job satisfaction.
“The medical village is expected not only to enhance the living conditions for medical staff but also generate income for NSSA, which can be channelled into pension schemes for retirees.
“This dual benefit underscores the authority’s commitment to improving the welfare of both current and former employees,” he said.
Additional initiatives that NSSA is working on this year include projects in the envisaged new city in Mt Hampden.
“The plan, which began at the start of this year, is for us to collaborate with the Public Service Commission. We have already spoken and agreed in principle that we should work together to develop an investment plan matrix for the two pension funds. This collaboration will make it easier for us to pool resources and create larger, more impactful initiatives. By contributing different resources, we can achieve greater outcomes, rather than smaller, less impactful ones.”
Additionally, NSSA plans to develop a 25-megawatt power plant at Tugwi-Mukosi Dam.
“These are just a few of the impactful projects we are exploring. In addition, we are also considering the creation of mixed-use service centres, such as shopping malls.”
