other individuals, who donate food, clothing and bedding to the institution. These relations have played an important role in sustaining the Institution especially in the context of the prevailing economic recession that has resulted in erratic disbursements of funds from treasury to the institution. 7.2 Relations between staff, students and patients The ZHRC noted the cordial relations between the staff (qualified personnel and students), and the patients. Of importance to note was the general state of cleanliness of the environment and patients at the institution. During the hospital tour, patients were relating well with the hospital workers, and were able to identify their keepers and their positions at the institution. Considering the nature of the patients kept at Ingutsheni, the delegation was observed the zeal that was visible in the staff. The staff were able to identify each patient and his/her respective challenges and needs. 8. Conclusion The Commission applauds the Government of Zimbabwe through the Ministry of Health and Child Care for coming up with specialised institutions such as Ingutsheni Hospital for the mentally disordered or intellectually handicapped persons. The Commission, however, noted that the Government of Zimbabwe has financially and logistically side-lined Ingutsheni Central Hospital despite the critical and specialized work it does in psychiatric health for Zimbabwe. The Commission wishes to repeatedly appreciate the hard work and passion that exists in the staff members at the Institution beside the various resource constraints faced. There is need to mobilise additional resources to capacitate the institution for it to safeguard the rights of patients and improve efficiency in the discharge of its roles. It is thus important for the Government through the Ministry of Health and Child Care to prioritise the rights and welfare of mentally and physically handicapped patients at Ingutsheni Hospital and other mental institutions when allocating and disbursing funds. Page 19 of 22

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