Story by Memory Chamisa
MORE than 200 residents from Sunningdale and surrounding areas in Harare have received free medical treatment as part of efforts to achieve universal health coverage for all.
The residents are the latest beneficiaries of free medical outreaches being organised by the Doctors Ancillary and Nurses for Economic Development.
The medical outreach programmes complement the government’s efforts to provide affordable, and quality healthcare services to communities.
Beneficiaries who were treated for various ailments including dental, optical and basic health screening among others applauded the goodwill gesture.
Chief government ophthalmologist, Dr Bonface Macheka noted the significance of medical outreach programmes as part of efforts to increase access to health services and complement existing basic healthcare services in communities.
“The main objective of this programme is to try to reach those in vulnerable communities so they can access health care services. We have started here but our main aim is to reach all corners of the country so everyone can benefit and this is in line with President Emerson Mnangagwa’s vision for 2030.
“Generally, our people have poor health-seeking behaviour, they do not seek healthcare until sometimes it is too late, so we thought it wise to bring healthcare to their doorsteps, to their markets, worship centres and communities so they can access it while going about their routine activities,” he said.
While noting President Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind in health care provision, the organisers led by Chairperson of Doctors and Nurses4ED Mr Paradzai Basikoro highlighted their plans.
“We are a team of medical Doctors under the banner Doctors Ancilarry and Nurses4ED. We have a team of opticians, and dental and general health professionals. We are targeting all provinces with our free medical outreach programme,” he said.
The Second Republic has made significant strides in providing its citizenry with affordable healthcare services through the construction of new clinics and hospitals across the country.
