Story by Courage Bushe
THE Mataga Mini Hospital, which is offering secondary healthcare services to people in Mberengwa, is significantly easing the burden on villagers who previously walked distances of up to 10 kilometres to access the nearest health facility.
Commissioned last year, the hospital has greatly reduced the challenges faced by communities by bringing essential health services closer to home, improving health outcomes and reducing financial strain.
The facility stands as testimony to the Second Republic’s commitment to improving access to quality primary healthcare services, in line with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
“Things were not easy then. We had to walk a 10-kilometre journey to Musume Hospital and the waiting mothers’ shelter. Those with money could get a bus, but those who delayed going to the waiting home had to use a scotch cart to get to the hospital on time,” said a villager.
Another community member said the hospital would bring lasting benefits to the area.
“Our community will benefit greatly from the health services as well as the water we are receiving. As a community, we will play our part to ensure that the facility is well maintained and not vandalised. We have suffered for a long time, but now it is over,” the villager said.
A resident noted that the facility is the first in Mataga to offer secondary healthcare services.
“For the people of Mataga, this is the first facility to offer secondary healthcare services. Previously, people had to travel long distances to Musume, Mnene or Zvishavane hospitals to access such services. We thank Government for this initiative,” the resident said.
Enhanced access to healthcare services promotes early disease detection, better disease management, improved survival rates and a healthier, more productive population.
Mberengwa East legislator, Honourable Tasara Hungwe, said Government remains committed to providing quality and affordable healthcare services.
“Government, under the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), is prioritising quality and affordable healthcare provision to promote wellness in pursuit of Vision 2030. The equipment at the hospital clearly demonstrates the Second Republic’s commitment to bringing healthcare services closer to the people. We now have state-of-the-art machinery that assists in treating diseases which previously forced people to travel to urban centres for medical attention,” he said.
Through its focus on devolution, infrastructure development and the implementation of NDS2, the Zimbabwean government continues to address healthcare disparities in rural communities.
