Story by Tamuka Charakupa
ZIMBABWE’s Universal Health Coverage (UHC) drive is making significant progress, with philanthropist Mr Jimayi Muduvuri announcing plans to construct nine more clinics across the country.
This expansion builds on the success of the Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital in Kadoma, which has been instrumental in providing healthcare to underprivileged communities.
The hospital, along with operational clinics such as Sally Mugabe Clinic (Kadoma), Simon Muzenda Clinic (Gokwe Centre), and Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa Clinic, prioritises vulnerable groups, including senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and war veterans.
“Generally we are serving the entire community, but our priority is given to senior citizens, disabled people, and war veterans. The medical team also visits other clinics on a weekly basis to assist where there is need,” Medical Practitioner, Dr Nobert Mosiya said.
The local community has also expreesed their gratitude on the services they receive from the clinics.
“We want to thank Cde Muduvuri for extending his hand towards the vulnerable. This goes a long way in promoting access to health services in local communities,” a community member said.
Mr Muduvuri said the development is part of efforts to promote the health sector, particularly ensuring disadvantaged groups have access to health services.
“I was wheelchair bound for several years, and at one time, I almost had my leg amputated, I was assisted by President Emmerson Mnangagwa to get treated in South Africa. Now, as part of thanking him back, I am constructing nine clinics across the country, and some of them are already functioning. These are the Joshua Nkomo clinic in Gwanda, Chief Rekai Tangwena (Nyanga North), Robert Mugabe (Murombedzi), Simon Muzenda (Gokwe Centre), Ndabaningi Sithole (Chipinge), Amai Auxillia Mnangagwa (Nembudziya), Mama Mafuyana (Harare), Hebert Chitepo (Mutare) and Josiah Tongogara (Masvingo),” he said.
To complement the initiative, a nursing school has since been established at the Muduvuri Pan African Hospital, with 20 students currently enrolled.
“I have also established a nursing school after collaborating with the Ministry of Health and Child Care. We have pioneered the programme with twenty students and if we successful implement the programme we intend to grow and establish on a large scale,” Mr Muduvuri said.
“The school of nursing is also an opportunity to the local youths who have limited access to training schools which are outside the town,” a beneficiary said.
Meanwhile, the Muduvuri Pan African Hospital offers free medical care to persons with disabilities, veterans of the liberation struggle, and other vulnerable groups.
