Thursday 19 February 2026
Zim GBC News | Health Correspondent
HARARE – Doctors at Parirenyatwa Group of Hospitals have etched their names in the annals of Zimbabwean medical history after successfully performing open-heart surgery using a new state-of-the-art heart-lung machine for the first time—a monumental leap forward for public cardiac care in the country.
The groundbreaking procedure took place in Harare on Tuesday, marking the inaugural use of a modern bypass machine recently acquired by the Government of Zimbabwe. Before the surgical team made their first incision, they paused to pray with the patient—a poignant moment that underscored both the gravity of the operation and its profound significance for the nation’s healthcare system.
‘A Major Improvement’
While open-heart surgery has been performed at Parirenyatwa before, Dr Simukayi Percy Machawira, a specialist in cardiovascular and thoracic surgery, emphasized that the new machine represents a quantum leap in capability and safety.
“We’re excited to announce that we now have a new heart-lung machine, procured by the government last year,” Dr Machawira told ZBC News.
“It’s a state-of-the-art S5 machine that will enhance our surgical procedures.”
For nearly two decades, Zimbabwe’s largest referral hospital relied on outdated equipment for complex cardiac procedures—machinery that frequently broke down and interrupted life-saving surgeries.
The new S5 machine features six pumps, dramatically improving both efficiency and patient safety outcomes.
“This machine has a lifespan of 10 to 15 years, and with proper care, it could last longer,” Dr Machawira explained.
“This upgrade means we can perform surgeries continuously without interruptions.”
92 Lives and Counting
Since the cardiac surgery program was resuscitated in 2023, the dedicated team at Parirenyatwa has operated on approximately 92 patients. With the new equipment now operational, medical staff are optimistic about significantly increasing these numbers.
The hospital is already planning a special surgical blitz that would see them operate on up to 10 patients per week—a target that was simply unattainable with the previous equipment limitations.
Renewed Hope for Complex Cardiac Care
Tuesday’s successful surgery is the latest in a series of government initiatives to equip public hospitals with specialized medical technology. In recent months, Zimbabwean health facilities have received new dialysis machines and CT scanners as part of a broader push to upgrade diagnostic and treatment capabilities.
For the surgical team at Parirenyatwa, this operation represents the culmination of years of dedication and perseverance. For the wider community, it symbolizes renewed hope for patients requiring complex cardiac interventions—making advanced, life-saving surgeries more accessible to ordinary Zimbabweans who cannot afford costly medical treatment abroad.
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