Story by Gay Matambo
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is on a drive to ensure equitable access to health care, with the people of Chikombedzi being the latest to benefit from its free medical outreach programme.
Beneficiaries of the programme are grateful to the ZDF for the kind gesture.
“I came here with a sore tooth. Getting it removed would have cost me close to USD$300, but it was removed for free and I was given painkillers for free,” said one of the beneficiaries.
Another added, “I had a severe backache, but I got medication here, thanks to ZDF.”
“This programme has assisted our community. We hope that they come back again shortly,” another beneficiary noted.
Members of the ZDF who were facilitating the medical outreach programme said the initiative is targeting vulnerable members of the community while complementing the government’s drive to enhance access to health care.
“In line with the secondary roles of the ZDF, the organisation is mandated to contribute to national economic, industrial and technological development, undertake community assistance programmes, provide support to civil ministries and parastatals as well as fulfil international obligations and responsibilities about international treaties and other states in the field of support operations, collective security, confidence and security building measures and humanitarian relief activities,” Senior Nursing Officer for Infantry Brigade, Major Joshua Madzivanyika said.
“We were offering services that include dental care, eye care etc. We are happy that no cases of cholera were recorded and the villagers came out in their numbers to access medical attention. We are also giving them free medication on site,” said Senior Medical Officer for Infantry Brigade, Captain Ngoni Makaya.
The health and well-being of citizens is one of the pillars under the National Development Strategy One.
