Story by Tapiwa Machemedze
THE Second Republic has taken a major step towards achieving universal health coverage after the opening of Muswenhede Clinic and a new waiting mothers’ shelter in Mashonaland Central’s Mazowe District.
Located 20 kilometres from Mvurwi town and 40 kilometres from Nzvimbo growth point, lies Muswenhede, where residents faced a lack of access to health care, but this has been transformed following the commissioning of Muswenhede clinic and the waiting mothers’ shelter.
“We used to travel to Mvurwi, but now we are happy we can walk to this clinic and access health services. Pregnant mothers would give birth along the way,” one of the beneficiaries said.
The clinic will bring convenience for us mothers, and we expect to give birth to more and more babies here. I am so thankful, another beneficiary noted.
The proximity of this clinic to our community will help us, we can even come with donkeys and ox-drawn carts here,” another beneficiary added.
Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage Minister, Honourable Kazembe Kazembe, described the opening of the clinic as a milestone for the Mazowe district.
“This achievement we are witnessing today is also in fulfillment of Zimbabwe’s health priorities as outlined in the Zimbabwe Health Strategy 2021 to 2025. Allow me to express gratitude to my Ministry of Home Affairs and cultural heritage through the lotteries and gaming board for funding the construction of this facility,” he said.
The commissioning of Muswenhede Clinic and the shelter aligns with the government’s inclusive development agenda, ensuring “no one and no place is left behind”.
“To the residents of Muswenhede, I urge you to embrace this facility as your own, it is not just a building. It represents the efforts of many who believe in the right to health of every individual. Take ownership, ensuring it remains a safe and welcoming environment for all,” Mashonaland Central Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Honourable Christopher Magomo added.
Equipment donated by operators regulated by the Lotteries and Gaming Board is expected to enhance the clinic’s capacity to offer improved healthcare services.
