Story by Ruvarashe Mariga
The implementation of the Universal Health Coverage policy is on course, with the government presiding over a groundbreaking ceremony for a polyclinic in Harare’s Sunningdale suburb.
The polyclinic, slated for completion within six months, is a result of a collaboration between the Ministry of Health and Childcare and Liftcrest Investments/Xinfacrest Private Limited.
“What was introduced to the country by the Second Republic, led by His Excellency, Comrade Emmerson Mnangagwa, who said, “Nyika Inovakwa nevene vayo,” is what inspired us to move from outside the country so that we bring investment, ideas and technology. Here we are building a polyclinic, which is a bit bigger than a normal clinic. We call them traditional clinics. We will also make sure that we have state-of-the-art equipment placed in the clinic, which suits the standards set by the Ministry of Health and by the government, as well as the international standard for healthcare. Architecture-wise, we think that in a period of, let’s just say a minimum of three months, maximum five to six months it will be complete,” said Xinfacrest Private Limited CEO, Mr Jeriel Rwodzi.
The partnership in the construction of the clinic is in line with government’s universal health coverage policy.
“My presence here is a testimony to the importance the government holds regarding the issue of health and well-being of our people. These are some of the policies outlined in our National Development Strategy 1 and the Minister of Health and Child Care National Strategy 2021-2025. Witnessing such an important ground-breaking ceremony for a polyclinic is an impressive milestone for the community of Sunningdale especially for the mothers, their children and the elderly,” noted Chief Director for Policy Planning, Digital Health – Ministry of Health and Child Care, Dr Stephen Banda.
The Sunningdale community has welcomed this initiative citing the significant relief it will bring from having to travel long distances to access healthcare services.
“We are happy because of this development as we didnt have a clinic in our community. We used to walk long distances to access healthcare but it will soon be a thing of the past.,” said a resident.
The ground-breaking ceremony was held in the presence of several stakeholders including Harare City Council Mayor, Councillor Jacob Mafume.
