PLANS are at an advanced stage to turn two clinics into district hospitals in Harare to relieve pressure on referral hospitals in the capital city.

One hospital will be in Mabvuku while the other one would be in one of the Western suburbs, and are expected to open their doors to the public mid next year.

Speaking at a health meeting organised by the Community Working Group on Health last week, City of Harare's health services director, Prosper Chonzi said government had availed US$2 million for the refurbishment of clinics to turn them into provincial hospitals.

He said the hospitals were expected to offer minor theatrical services and offer admission facilities to patients, especially pregnant mothers.

Chonzi said the establishment of the district hospitals would also reduce the number of unemployed graduate nurses currently being churned out by provincial and referral hospitals.

Chairperson of the Parliamentary Portfolio Committee on Health, Blessing Chebundo said the move was overdue considering that the proposal had been standing since 1976.