Story by Tamuka Charakupa
DEVOLUTION funds have transformed the health sector in Chipinge district, with Junction Gate Clinic being the latest health facility to benefit from the programme.
The Junction Gate Clinic, where a waiting mothers’ shelter is being constructed and nearing completion, is one of the health facilities in Chipinge district that have been constructed through devolution funds as the government pushes to ensure accessibility of critical services throughout the country.
For expecting mothers, Miriam Chifambisana and her colleague, Precious Ukezo, the waiting mothers’ shelter has saved them from expenses and health-related risks as they used to walk long distances to the nearest clinic offering maternal services.
Miriam said, ‘‘If it was not for this shelter, I would have walked over three hours to access health care. So, I am happy that now we are being assisted by professionals. This has saved me from the risk of delivering at home or along the way.’’
Precious noted, ‘‘We usually face the risk of delivering at home which is not safe at all, so this mother’s shelter provides us with a safe home away from home as we wait for our time. We are delighted that it is being expanded to accommodate more patients.’’
Chipinge Rural District Council Acting Chief Executive Officer, Mr Takesure Madhuveko and the local leadership thanked the government for availing the devolution funds, saying they have transformed the face of health service delivery within communities.
‘‘As Council, we have constructed at least 6 health facilities across the district of which four have been completed while the other two are almost done. We want to thank His Excellency [The President] for ensuring that the devolution funds reach even the most remote parts of the country. This clinic in particular not only serves the people of this community but also stretches to several communities in Mozambique,” said Mr Madhuveko.
Nurse in Charge George Makuyana said, ‘‘We want to thank the government for transforming this clinic because we are able to assist our expecting mothers who often give birth at home.’’
Chipinge RDC Ward 8 Councillor Mr Willard Munoku noted, ‘‘This development saves time and money because the nearest health centre was in Chipinge town which is almost 25 kilometres away. Devolution has really assisted us, particularly this community given that we serve our neighbours from Mozambique as well.’’
The clinic has a catchment of over 7000 people and is also serving communities such as Foroma, Chambuta, Mahiza and Maridheya from neighbouring Mozambique.
