Story by Abigirl Tembo, Health Editor
A renewed focus on strengthening healthcare infrastructure is changing the face of service delivery across the country. Guided by the government’s commitment to equitable access and efficiency, the country’s medicine supply chain is becoming more reliable, ensuring that lifesaving drugs reach citizens wherever they are.
NatPharm Mutare warehouse is a key pillar in the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen the country’s health delivery system.
From the warehouse, essential medicines and medical supplies are distributed to 325 health facilities across the seven districts of Manicaland.
According to NatPharm Mutare Branch Manager, Mr Cathias Mundandishe, the province is now recording improved availability of critical medical commodities, thanks to consistent government support.
Currently, the government is supplying most of the essential medicines. When you talk of anti-hypertensives, when you speak of anti-biotics, you talk of the painkillers, the famous paracetamol. These are all coming in, and this has shown a significant stride in terms of improving the availability of these commodities, including insulin and theatre surgical utilities, which are all needed across the clinics. Mutare NATPHARM supplies seven districts in the province, and these seven districts are divided into units or cluster cohorts. As Mutare, we supply 325 facilities across the seven districts of Mutare,” he said.
The community expressed satisfaction with the consistent supply of medicines, a development that has greatly improved healthcare delivery in the hard-to-reach area.
“From this place to Mozambique it’s less than two kilometres, and some people from Mozambique come and get help from this clinic, so it serves both Zimbabwe and Mozambique, and we are happy that most times the prescribed medication will be there,” said a community member.
Another noted, “We are very far away from the city and the terrain is very bad, but we really appreciate this clinic here and the fact that the government keeps the pharmacy stocked with medication is a relief for us as we won’t have to travel to Hauna or Mutare.”
At Chavhanga Clinic, once empty shelves now tell a story of renewal and resilience.
With a reliable supply chain and strengthened health infrastructure, the government’s vision for equitable healthcare is no longer just a promise but a living reality for communities across Manicaland Province and beyond.
