Story by Silibaziso Dlodlo
HUNDREDS of Bulawayo residents accessed free medical services this Friday as the third edition of the Rugare Medical Mental Health Expo intensified efforts to improve healthcare access and promote mental wellness in communities.
The outreach programme provided a wide range of free health services, including blood pressure screening, cervical cancer examinations, dental care, eye testing and chest X-rays, as organisers moved to bridge healthcare gaps and encourage early diagnosis of medical conditions.
Held under the theme “Small Habits, Healthy Kidney and Mental Health,” the expo also placed strong emphasis on mental health awareness, with health professionals urging communities to openly discuss depression and other mental health conditions.
Managing Director of UK Rugare Medical, Professor Sikhumbuzo Malunga, said mental health remains widely misunderstood despite affecting people across all sections of society.
“Mostly when we talk of mental health, people automatically think we are referring to someone who is mentally ill or mentally unwell. We all have mental health, but it depends on how we manage it. I spoke about depression because it is a major problem in Zimbabwe, especially among men and women, due to social circumstances. Most people suffer from depression without even realising it, and this can contribute to conditions such as high blood pressure. It is time we openly discussed mental health, what it is and what mental illness means.”
Organisers of the expo say partnerships with the government and the Bulawayo City Council helped improve this year’s event by creating more space to accommodate the growing number of people seeking medical assistance.
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Rugare Medical, Quinn Sowa said the collaboration made it possible for the initiative to reach more residents.
“We are pleased that through this outreach we worked together with government and the city council, who provided us with more space and parking bays because in previous years we struggled to accommodate everyone. This year, they allowed us to expand and better serve the community. I have been living abroad for 24 years, but I responded to the President’s call to return home and invest. I am happy that through investing, I am also able to give back to the people of Bulawayo.”
The Rugare Medical Mental Health Expo continues to grow each year as more residents seek access to affordable healthcare services and mental health awareness programmes.
