Story by Fairstars Mukungurutse
HATCLIFFE, HARARE-THE Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme has been extended to Harare’s Hatcliffe suburb, offering free health screenings and basic first aid training to residents as part of government efforts to improve access to healthcare in underserved areas.
The initiative, run in partnership with Discovery Ambulance Services and the Ministry of Health and Child Care, seeks to equip communities with essential medical knowledge while delivering critical primary healthcare services, particularly to vulnerable populations.
Residents of Hatcliffe welcomed the programme, expressing appreciation for the timely and inclusive health intervention.
“We are happy for the timely intervention. We received free screening for all our ailments,” a beneficiary said.
“This is commendable. We thank our President for remembering us, especially the elderly,” an elderly resident said.
ZANU PF officials underscored the programme as a reflection of the Second Republic’s commitment to inclusive development and the health and wellbeing of all Zimbabweans.
“It is important that every household has at least one person trained in basic first aid, as this can save lives. This programme also offers free medical examinations and treatments, which is vital. Discovery Ambulance Services has taken this initiative across the provinces, and we are honoured to have them in Hatcliffe. The ultimate goal is that every citizen, down to the household level, understands the importance of basic emergency cares,” ZANU PF-National Deputy Secretary for Security, Cde Tendai Chirau said.
“As the Hatcliffe community, we are very happy for the timely intervention. This shows that our government through the leadership of President Emmerson Mnangagwa is people oriented, we salute them for bringing medical services to our doorstep,” ZANU PF-DCC 4 Chairperson, Cde Never Karoro said.
Mr David Munowenyu, Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Ambulance Services, pledged continued support for the programme and reaffirmed the national vision behind it.
“We are working closely with the Ministry of Health through an MOU to bridge the healthcare gap. Our main goal is to equip everyone, from children to adults, with first aid knowledge. Emergencies can occur anywhere, at any time, on the road, at work or home. Everyone should know how to respond. This is a presidential programme that will cover the entire nation, aiming to reach 17 million people, leaving no one and no place behind,” he said.
The Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme forms part of broader efforts by government to achieve universal health coverage in line with Vision 2030, which seeks to transform Zimbabwe into an upper-middle-income economy through inclusive and people-centred policies.
