Story by Tichaona Kurewa
A three-day free eye clinic at Victoria Falls Hospital has enhanced access to health services in Hwange district as government targets universal health coverage.
Vision 2030 envisages an affordable and efficient health delivery system, hence initiatives such as the mobile free eye clinic at Victoria Falls Hospital are viewed as a significant stride towards the attainment of that goal.
One of the beneficiaries, Siphililangenkosi Sibanda from Matetsi area, about 50 kilometres from Victoria Falls, is grateful for the programme.
“I’m a driver by profession, one of my eyes was total blind making it difficult to work. I am now grateful to this programme. I am now able to go back at work and fend for my family again,” she noted.
Other beneficiaries are equally excited after getting spectacles.
“You will be able to go back to the village again and do all my chores,” said one of the beneficiaries who spoke to ZBC News.
“It is good that I’m now able to see again, I’m so happy. Learning was difficult for me since I could not see properly but now, I will be able to improve my grades,” noted another of the beneficiaries.
Another reiterated, “This is a new era for me.”
Hwange District Medical Officer, Dr Fungai Musinami highlighted the importance of the programme being implemented by government and its development partners.
“We have so far screened over 500 people and by Monday, 23 eye surgeries had been conducted. The programme is key in ensuring access to eye care services to all and treatment of reversible blindness from cataracts. In view of the drive towards universal health courage, this activity brings the specialist eye services to people closer to them,” Dr Musinami noted.
A healthy citizenry is viewed as key for the attainment of various developmental targets.
