By Munyaradzi Dhure
Nedbank, a local banking giant, has partly funded the Avenues Clinic’s $10 million refurbishment project in a bid to provide quality healthcare to locals and foreigners.
In his address at the ground-breaking ceremony held today in Harare, the Avenues Clinic Managing Director, Mr. Searchmore Chaparadza, said the upgrade was meant to enhance the institution’s capacity to offer quality healthcare.
“As The Avenues Clinic we have been in operation for 35 years. We are renowned for offering high quality services to our patients. This refurbishment drive will re-position us as the usual leaders in the provision of health services,” Mr Chaparadza said.
A majority of Zimbabweans is seeking specialist medical services outside Zimbabwe but some foreigners come to the Avenues Clinic for its reputation. Mr. Chaparadza said if the upgrade is complete, there will be an opportunity for the institution to earn some foreign currency from foreign patients.
“I would like to advise that as an institution we are also a foreign currency earner.We treat patients coming from outside Zimbabwe and those that are on foreign medical insurance. It is indeed our hope that when this upgrade is done, we will be able to generate more foreign currency as an institution,” Mr. Chaparadza said.
Mr. Edward Chatsuwa, the Nedbank Head of Business Banking, praised The Avenues Clinic for providing specialist services needed by foreigners who will in turn inject foreign currency into the economy when they come for treatment.
“The health sector plays a critical role to all citizens. That is why we have partnered the Avenues Clinic in this initiative. Money means a lot to everyone and we want it to vary to everyone. Our ideal is to go beyond. We are ready to engage all stakeholders to make this goal achievable” he said.
The lobby section of The Avenues Clinic will get new floors and bathrooms will be renovated. They retail pharmacy will be shifted and there are plans to introduce a coffee shop on the entrance. The standards of service at the Avenues clinic will match those offered by similar medical centres in the region and internationally.