Story by Courage Bushe
DAYS of walking long distances to access healthcare services are coming to an end for villagers in Dombwe, Shurugwi, after the government and development partners joined forces to construct the Dombwe Polyclinic.
The project, a collaborative effort between government and the local community, forms part of ongoing national initiatives to improve access to healthcare in rural areas and reduce the burden of long journeys for medical attention.
Speaking during the groundbreaking ceremony, local leaders and community members welcomed the development, describing it as a “game-changer.”
“Women are disproportionately affected by limited healthcare access. Having a clinic nearby will be a huge relief, especially given transport challenges that often force us to walk long distances to seek treatment.
“With the clinic up and running, we expect a decline in preventable deaths as residents receive timely medical care within the community.
“Healthcare delivery in Shurugwi will never be the same again. This facility is a blessing, particularly for pregnant women and children who bore the brunt of poor access in the past,” community members said.
Government officials expressed confidence that the health facility will become a cornerstone of rural transformation.
“Once completed, Dombwe Polyclinic is expected to provide a full range of services, including maternal and child health, outpatient care, and disease prevention programmes, aligning with the country’s goal of achieving universal health coverage,” said Shurugwi North Legislator, Honourable Joseph Mpasi.
Through public-private partnerships, devolution, and decentralisation, Zimbabwe has witnessed an increase in the construction of healthcare facilities across rural areas in recent years.
