Medicines and other supplies worth thousands of dollars were destroyed when a raging fire ravaged Banket Hospital pharmacy and store room yesterday evening.

Mashonaland West provincial police spokesperson, Assistant Inspector Ian Kohwera said investigations are still underway.

Zvimba South Legislature, Dr Philip Chiyangwa who visited the hospital this morning in the company of Zvimba West Member of Parliament and Minister of Justice, Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Hon Ziyambi Ziyambi said the thousand of drugs and infrastructure were destroyed.

"The fire has destroyed thousand of drugs, medical supplies and infrastructure worth thousands of dollars," he said.

In a separate interview, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs for Mashonaland West, Mary Mliswa-Chikoka said the incident was a huge blow to the entire provincial health system and the fight against COVID-19.