Story by Tafara Chikumira
THE Zimbabwe National Army’s (ZNA) free eye treatment exercise has received a massive response from the Midlands community who are benefitting immensely from the services meant to alleviate the plight of previously marginalised communities.
Members of the ZNA at the 5 Infantry Brigade are carrying out a medical outreach programme aimed at dealing with issues of eye cataracts across the province.
The programme is part of the ZNA’s routine training exercise meant to impart members of the military personnel with contemporary warfare practices.
The community has immensely benefited from the exercise which is restoring sight, particularly to the elderly.
“I am very grateful to the government for rolling out such a noble exercise. I for one had a torrid time going to Bulawayo for medical attention where I was told that the operation of each eye was going at a cost of US$400 each. I couldn’t afford such fees and as such I had to come back but today all my problems have been sorted,” said a Midlands resident.
Another said, “This is a very noble exercise especially amongst us the poor. We don’t have the necessary resources to get the appropriate medical attention but our President has seen it fit to do us this favour and help us in such a huge way. I am a pensioner and as such have been struggling to get the much needed healthcare services.”
“When the President says ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’ its not just rhetoric as we are witnessing this development. Our children have indeed come to our rescue at our greatest hour of need. This is indeed credible as it helps us to overcome all our obstacles. It has been tough to get such medical attention,” said another resident.
The Zimbabwe National Army says it is targeting the elderly in the medical outreach as they are more vulnerable to eye cataracts.
ZNA Chief Ophthalmologist, Lieutenant Colonel Dr Mathias Mukona said, “We are very excited by the response we are getting from the Midlands province. We attended 35 patients yesterday only and our target is to go beyond 100. We have all the necessary medical kits and personnel as we have also romped in the Ministry of Health and Childcare in our campaign. I am happy that we have put in place a follow up programme post operations.”
The five day medical outreach began on Saturday and will end on the 15th of this month.
The military exercise has targeted three districts namely Chirumanzu, Shurugwi and Zvishavane where military personnel have been deployed to carry out some training exercises up to the 19th of this month.
