Story by Tarirai Madhuyu
GOVERNMENT has rolled out a comprehensive non-communicable disease screening programme for veterans of the liberation struggle as part of efforts to improve their well-being.
Veterans of the Liberation Struggle gathered at the Aquatic Complex in Chitungwiza this Wednesday for a non-communicable disease screening organised by the Ministry of Veterans of the Liberation Struggle in collaboration with PSMAS Premier Service Medical Aid Society.
“As you know, it is now difficult for us to obtain this service on our own due to financial constraints, hence this opportunity,” said one of the veterans.
Another added, “This move shows that the government is concerned with our welfare. The government continue to look after us, especially on this aspect. We hope that more benefits are underway.”
“This initiative also gave us an opportunity to meet and discuss with fellow comrades whom we thought were no longer surviving. This on its own has benefited us emotionally and the screening aspect came at the right time as you know we are now affected by many diseases due to old age,” another war veteran noted.
Another added, “It’s great that we continue to be looked upon. We have been affected by many diseases during the struggle which needs to be attended to. This makes us proud of who we are and we really appreciate that,”
PSMAS Director Managed Care, Mr Munyaradzi Mujuru highlighted the significance of public-private partnerships in advancing universal health coverage.
“We are very much grateful to partner with the Ministry of Veterans in promoting universal health coverage in the country. We are here to support government initiatives through PPPs as a way of honouring our heroes. We are aiming at expanding to cater for their dependents and spouses as well. This is also part of our corporate social responsibility as you know that we are greatly supported by government to offer medical support to our civil servants,” he said.
Permanent Secretary for Veterans of the Liberation Struggle, Mr Clive Mphambela reiterated the government’s unwavering commitment to improving the welfare of war veterans.
“We really want to thank you for responding to this cause. This is a sign of the government’s support for our veterans of the liberation struggle. This initiative shall also be cascaded to the rest of the provinces so that no one will be left behind,” he said.
The medical screening is taking place in six zones of Harare Metropolitan, with the programme set to cascade to all the country’s provinces.
