Story by Theophilus Chuma
Private sector participation in healthcare and service delivery continues to strengthen under the Presidential Emergency Medical Outreach programme, with the latest initiative for the provision of ambulance vehicles set to provide essential services for the mining sector.
The initiative, sealed in Harare this Friday is in tandem with the national vision to advance healthcare delivery and ensure universal access to essential medical services, according to Group Chief Officer at Discovery Ambulances.
“We are working to cover the health delivery gap within marginalised communities by ensuring that we address critical health issues. This is another programme that we are advancing to complement the government on the initiative to provide universal health access for all,” said Mr David Munowenyu.
Amid revelations of alarming statistics of infectious diseases within the small-scale mining sector as well as mining accidents, authorities in the sector say the initiative comes as an important response mechanism to provide quality health care for the industry.
“We have over 1.5 million small and artisanal miners across the country, therefore we are going to see a very positive impact in terms of improving the health standards of the industry,” said FS Mining acting CEO, Mr Tafirenyika Chitsungo.
“In light of the current funding gaps, this partnership becomes an important vehicle to prevent some of the health issues faced by the industry. We are grateful for this kind of support which will be pivotal in addressing issues of emergency services as well as infectious diseases,” said Zimbabwe Miners Federation president, Ms Henrietta Rushwaya.
Public-private partnerships have become an important pillar in supporting the government’s health strategy – targeting universal and equitable access to health.
