Challenges in Drug and Substance Abuse Rehabilitation Facilities
A recent parliamentary investigation into youth empowerment, development, and vocational training has highlighted critical issues surrounding the state of drug and substance abuse treatment and rehabilitation centers in Zimbabwe. The findings reveal that several hospitals in different provinces lack sufficient facilities to support individuals struggling with addiction, leaving many youths without proper recovery options.
In particular, Gwanda Hospital in Matabeleland South and St Luke’s Hospital in Matabeleland North are identified as lacking adequate rehabilitation centers. This deficiency means that young people in these regions do not have access to essential treatment programs. The report states that these hospitals are currently unable to accommodate individuals requiring substance abuse rehabilitation, forcing psychiatric patients to be referred to Ingutsheni Central Hospital instead.
The investigation also found that all the hospitals visited face significant challenges in terms of infrastructure and capacity. Many facilities are overwhelmed by the number of admissions, which often exceed their carrying capacity. This situation is particularly evident at Ngomahuru Hospital in Masvingo, a facility that, despite being in a state of disrepair, holds considerable potential due to its large land area. It is recognized as Zimbabwe’s second-largest psychiatric institution after Ingutsheni Hospital.
One of the most concerning aspects of the report is the presence of patients who remain in hospitals indefinitely because they have been abandoned by their families or relatives. This issue is particularly pronounced at Ngomahuru and Ingutsheni Central Hospitals, where resources are further strained by the long-term care of such patients. As of June 24 last year, Ingutsheni Hospital, which has a capacity of 708 beds, was accommodating 565 patients. However, the report notes that many of these individuals receive inadequate treatment for only four to eight weeks before being released back into the community.
This lack of effective treatment poses serious risks to both patients and staff. The shortage of medication is a major concern, as it puts workers at risk when dealing with potentially violent patients. Despite receiving medicines from Egypt, Ingutsheni Hospital still faces shortages of critical drugs such as Chlorpromazine and Diazepam, as well as anti-craving and aversive medications necessary for successful rehabilitation.
Additionally, the report highlights that some institutions designated for conversion into rehabilitation centers, such as St Luke’s Hospital and the Mzilikazi Male Circumcision Centres, have not yet received any communication regarding this transformation. This delay could hinder efforts to expand rehabilitation services in the region.
In response to these findings, the committee made several recommendations. One key suggestion is for the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare ministry to implement strategies aimed at motivating nurses, especially those working in rural areas. This includes providing both monetary and non-monetary incentives to improve retention and service quality in these underserved regions.
The findings of this investigation underscore the urgent need for improved infrastructure, increased funding, and better resource allocation in drug and substance abuse rehabilitation centers across Zimbabwe. Without these changes, the current system will continue to struggle with meeting the needs of those seeking help for addiction and mental health issues.
