Story by Tafara Chikumira
Hundreds of people from across the Midlands Province had a rare opportunity to receive free specialised medical attention at Gweru Provincial Hospital as the Surgical Society of Zimbabwe celebrated its 30th anniversary this Friday.
The commemoration comes on the backdrop of an upsurge in the number of specialist surgeons operating in the country from 40 to over 300 representing an increase of more than 700 percent over the past 30 years.
It was a celebration with a difference as the association brought a team of medical experts to attend to some medical complications that have been referred to Bulawayo and Harare.
“I had been referred to Bulawayo to go and get this medical attention but I then, received a call to come here and get the necessary medical assessment,” said a patient.
Another said, “My son has hypospadias, I am happy that he has since received an operation and is now recovering well. I am just a poor woman from Shurugwi and my greatest fear was that my son was going to grow up with a disability. It is quite relieving that this is now a thing of the past.”
The association is proud of its achievements over the years which have seen some critical surgeries now being performed locally.
“I am glad that we have managed to score some success stories over the years. Apart from facilitating more surgeons in the country, we have managed to make progress on some surgeries that would ordinarily require someone to travel overseas for such procedures. We have managed to do the separation of Siamese twins and successfully carried out cardiac surgery. Very soon, I am told Gweru Hospital will be carrying out hip replacements and knee replacements,” said the Surgical Society of Zimbabwe’s president, Dr Wilfred Mutewei.
The First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa who was represented by the Midlands Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution Honourable Owen Ncube, commended the surgeons for their excellent works and called for meaningful collaborations for the Second Republic to attain its objective of health for all by the year 2025.
“It is indeed pleasing to note that the Society has been instrumental in expanding access to quality surgical care across through decentralisation of services with qualified surgeons serving in various cities and towns for the benefit of all Zimbabweans underpinned by the Second Republic’s devolution and decentralization agenda.
“I am acutely aware of the pressing need for comprehensive medical and surgical services in our beloved country Zimbabwe. In this regard, the Angel of Hope Foundation is committed to the diagnosis and screening of cancer patients alongside other non-communicable diseases. This mirrors our shared commitment to healthcare excellence and fosters the need for collaboration as we collectively strive towards the betterment of our nation’s healthcare landscape.”
The recent strides in the health sector have seen Zimbabwe reducing medical tourism, thereby preserving the much-needed foreign currency.
