KARANDA Mission Hospital is expanding its healthcare services and upgrading infrastructure as it seeks to meet growing demand from communities across northern Zimbabwe, Dr Takudzwa Sasa has said.
Established in 1961 by The Evangelicali Alliance Mission (TEAM), the hospital has grown from a small mission facility into one of Zimbabwe’s leading rural healthcare institutions, serving about 140,000 patients annually.
Located near Mount Darwin, about 200 kilometres from Harare, the hospital operates with a capacity of 165 beds and carries out more than 51,000 outpatient consultations and 4,000 surgical procedures every year.
Speaking during a media tour of the institution, Dr Sasa said several expansion projects were underway to improve patient care and increase the hospital’s capacity.
“Currently, we are working on several key projects, including the expansion of wards and the upgrading of our diagnostic and imaging equipment. These developments are aimed at improving patient care and increasing our capacity to serve the community effectively,” Dr Sasa said.
Karanda Mission Hospital was originally known as Gunderson-Horness Hospital before being renamed following Zimbabwe’s independence. It was established to support clinics and dispensaries that had been set up alongside mission schools and churches serving communities in the Zambezi Valley.
Today, the hospital offers a wide range of services, including general medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, surgery, internal medicine, dental care, laboratory diagnostics, emergency care and maternal health programmes.
Dr Sasa said the institution employs more than 278 staff members, including doctors, nurses, laboratory technicians and support personnel.
“Our team is highly trained and experienced, with many staff members holding additional qualifications and specialisations to ensure patients receive quality and safe treatment,” Dr Sasa said.
The hospital is also planning to introduce advanced surgical procedures and strengthen outpatient services for chronic illnesses as part of efforts to modernise healthcare delivery.
“We are continuously working on expanding our services, including the introduction of advanced surgical procedures and outpatient clinics for chronic illnesses. Our vision is to advance healthcare excellence through innovation and respond to the changing needs of the community we serve,” Dr Sasa said.
He said the hospital was pursuing partnerships with private sector organisations and development partners to strengthen healthcare delivery and address growing challenges.
“Our approach involves upgrading infrastructure, acquiring modern medical equipment and continuously training our staff to ensure high-quality care. We are also seeking partnerships with private sector stakeholders to mobilise resources that can help us tackle challenges such as high disease burdens and limited access to specialised services,” Dr Sasa said.
Among the hospital’s most urgent needs are modern diagnostic and surgical equipment, staff accommodation and further infrastructure expansion.
Dr Sasa appealed to corporates, development partners and members of the public to support the institution’s development programmes.
“The public and donors can contribute through financial support, medical equipment donations or volunteering their expertise. We also welcome corporate social responsibility initiatives and partnerships that can help accelerate our development projects,” Dr Sasa said.
He said the hospital remains committed to providing holistic healthcare that addresses the physical, emotional and spiritual needs of patients while operating in line with Ministry of Health and Child Care standards.
“Our vision is to provide hope and healing to the body and spirit through the love of Christ. We remain committed to excellence in medical services, patient care and community health while embracing innovation and advancing healthcare solutions,” Dr Sasa said.
Operating under the motto, “Serving God, Serving Others,” Karanda Mission Hospital continues to play a vital role in delivering healthcare services to thousands of people from remote communities across northern Zimbabwe.
