THE commissioning of 21 modern dialysis machines at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals has significantly boosted renal treatment capacity, bringing relief to patients who previously struggled to access life-saving dialysis services.
The government procured the machines for the hospital’s renal unit as part of broader efforts to strengthen healthcare delivery across Zimbabwe. The development has increased treatment capacity and improved access to timely care for patients living with chronic and acute kidney conditions.
For many patients, the new dialysis machines and free treatment services represent more than upgraded infrastructure, they are a lifeline.
“I started dialysis back in 2022 and we used to come here very early in the morning. It has greatly improved after we moved to this fully furnished ward. Now you just come at your appointment time and get admitted instantly without hassle. We thank the government for its intervention,” said Tapiwa Bare.
Another patient, Tazvibva Matope said the improved services had restored hope.
“I started my treatment in 2023 after my kidney failed. At first, I thought I was not going to make it, but with the care I am getting and timely free treatment after the machines were increased, I am now hopeful of a longer, fuller life,” she said.
Rachel Musekiwa echoed similar sentiments, noting that access to treatment had become more efficient.
“We are happy with the service we are getting here. Things have improved from the time I started treatment. We just come through and get help without issues,” she said.
For years, renal patients at Parirenyatwa faced constrained dialysis schedules due to limited equipment, often resulting in under-dialysis and increased health risks. Previously, the hospital operated from the B10 ward with only five functional machines, which proved insufficient amid a rise in chronic kidney disease cases.
The fully operational B6 Renal Unit, fitted with 21 modern dialysis machines, has transformed service delivery. Of the 21 machines, 18 are currently in use, two are on standby, and one Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) machine caters for intensive care patients requiring continuous dialysis.
Senior Nursing Officer, Matron Emelda Machipisa said the upgrade had significantly improved patient outcomes.
“In 2025, we recorded between 16 and 20 deaths per year. But since we started using these machines this year, we have not recorded any deaths. That is something we are very happy about,” she said.
Director of Clinical Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Tonderayi Mangwiro said while dialysis was critical in sustaining patients with renal failure, government’s long-term vision was to expand renal transplantation services.
“Dialysis is important for patients with renal failure because their kidneys are not functioning normally due to conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, haemorrhage or infections. Dialysis gives life to our patients. However, our thrust as a Ministry is to go beyond dialysis. Dialysis must have an endpoint. Some patients recover, but others will depend on dialysis for life. Running a dialysis unit is expensive, so there must be an outlet and that outlet is renal transplantation. We have the expertise. What we now require is to build capacity and escalate renal care beyond dialysis through renal transplantation,” he said.
At least 96 patients are currently receiving treatment at the new facility.
The development underscores government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen specialist healthcare services, with plans underway to decentralise renal treatment and expand access to other advanced medical services across the country.
