Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
VETERANS of the liberation struggle on Monday received free medical consultations and treatment at Dotito Primary School in Mt Darwin, following the rollout of a medical outreach programme by ZANU PF affiliate organisation Boyz Dzamudhara, aimed at complementing government efforts to improve the welfare of former fighters under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2).
The outreach programme was oversubscribed, with thousands of war veterans converging at the venue to access the health services, including general consultations, dental care, blood pressure screening and medication.
Beneficiaries welcomed the initiative, saying it brought essential health services closer to communities that often struggle with transport costs and access to medical facilities.
Some veterans said they received treatment for chronic conditions such as hypertension and chest complications, while others benefited from dental services, including tooth extractions and assessments for dentures.
Boyz Dzamudhara Provincial Chairperson for Mashonaland Central, Evidence Mufambi, said the initiative was driven by a desire to give back to the veterans who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence.
“We are children raised by war veterans who are now professionals. We are saying the war veterans fought for our freedom, and we are giving back by ensuring they receive medical care free of charge,” he said.
The programme was implemented in collaboration with war veterans’ structures to ensure those most in need were prioritised.
ZANU PF Mashonaland Central War Veterans League Chairperson, Cde Martin Kwainona, said the outreach had benefited a wide range of former fighters and collaborators.
“We have senior citizens, non-combatants, ZIPEDRA members and collaborators who have been treated. Boyz Dzamudhara is assisting with medicines, consultations and mobility aids such as wheelchairs, working closely with our district field officers,” he said.
Medical practitioners involved in the outreach said the programme also focused on health education, particularly in areas such as dental hygiene.
“This programme started in Chimhanda and has been very effective. Many people lacked knowledge of dental care, so we are also teaching proper oral health practices,” one doctor said.
Another health professional said providing free services to war veterans was a way of honouring their sacrifice.
“The government supported our education, and this is our opportunity to give back to those who made it possible for us to become professionals,” the doctor added.
Launched last year, the Boyz Dzamudhara medical outreach programme has since been rolled out in several provinces across the country, supporting government efforts to improve access to health care for veterans of the liberation struggle.
