Story by Kenias Chivuzhe
OVER 150 people had their vision restored through a four-day free cataract surgery programme held in Nyanga, as part of ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access in rural areas.
The patients, many of whom received specialised medical care for the first time, are hopeful they will fully regain their sight, thanks to the initiative spearheaded by Nyanga North Legislator, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe.
Nyanga North is among the rural constituencies benefiting from regular free medical outreach programmes, with the recent cataract surgery initiative at Elim Hospital being the latest example of such efforts.
“We want to thank the organisers and Honourable Sanyatwe for this programme. I am looking forward to having my sight corrected,” said one of the patients.
The medical team was led by ophthalmologist Dr Mathias Mukona, who highlighted the importance of healthcare professionals contributing their expertise to support the government’s efforts in enhancing access to healthcare in rural areas.
“It is an honour to come and assist this community. God has blessed me with the gift of knowledge and intellectual capital, and I believe I must use these gifts to help others,” Dr Mukona said.
Honourable Sanyatwe explained the motivation behind the initiative, which aligns with Independence Celebrations and President Mnangagwa’s Vision 2030.
“Doctors from the army have come to this remote, border-area community as part of the Community Assistance Week to commemorate our nation’s independence. We previously ran a similar programme and discovered many people with eye problems, so we decided to continue. Today, 157 people are benefitting, and since each operation costs over US$1 000, this programme has brought significant relief.”
For the residents of Nyanga North and other beneficiaries of the cataract outreach, this initiative serves as a clear demonstration of the government’s commitment to improving healthcare access, in line with the nation’s inclusive development agenda.
