KEY POINTS
-
Strong winds damaged Siakobvu Hospital’s roof in Kariba on Sunday.
-
Male and female wards were affected, forcing the discharge of patients and suspension of admissions and deliveries.
-
No injuries were reported, and only outpatient services remained operational.
Strong winds blew off the roof of Siakobvu Hospital in Kariba, Zimbabwe, on Sunday, November 1, forcing the facility to discharge patients and suspend key medical services.
The damage affected the hospital’s male and female wards, leaving the facility unable to admit patients or conduct deliveries.
No injuries were reported following the incident. Mashonaland West Provincial Secretary Josphat Jaji confirmed that both patients and hospital staff were safe.
Maternity services and admissions suspended
The hospital’s medical officer said the damage had forced management to stop admissions and maternity services with immediate effect.
All admitted patients were discharged because the affected wards could no longer accommodate them safely. The outpatient department remained operational, allowing the hospital to continue providing limited medical care.
The suspension of deliveries is a significant disruption to maternity services, while the halt in admissions limits the hospital’s ability to provide inpatient treatment.
Restoration plans remain unclear
Further details about the full extent of the damage and the steps being taken to repair the roof were not immediately available.
The duration of the disruption also remains uncertain, leaving questions about when the hospital will resume normal operations.
