admin
The doctors are members of the Health Volunteers for Africa (HVA), a local organisation that seeks to promote access to health services to the less privileged.
Zanu-PF National Chairman Simon Khaya Moyo, who comes from Mangwe district, is the patron of the association and has been instrumental in facilitating the outreach programme.
The doctors have been visiting clinics in remote areas where they offered free consultations and medication to villagers.
HVA national director, Mr Mike Mamire, said the doctors were rotating duties over the weekends for the past three months.
“The programme covered 24 clinics in the two districts in which an average of 171 patients were attended to per day.
“The association has 60 members across the country of which 25 are from the southern region,” said Mr Mamire.
Ordinary people and leaders from the two districts yesterday threw a party for the doctors at a hotel in Plumtree Town where they applauded Cde Khaya Moyo, who also attended the event, for being sensitive to the communities’ health needs.
“We have never seen such a thing, but today we are witnesses of what effective leadership means.
These doctors have saved many lives in our community, courtesy of Cde Khaya Moyo,” said Chief Wasi from Mangwe.
“Let us work together and emulate leaders like Cde Khaya Moyo whose works are visible before everyone.”
Bulilima District Administrator Mrs Ethel Moyo said access to health services was important for a healthy nation and commended Cde Khaya Moyo for his role in the programme.
“Our leaders should be selfless like Cde Khaya Moyo and always remember that they are in those positions to represent people and respond to their problems. Our communities benefited immensely from this programme. We worked so well with the doctors,” she said.
Mrs Moyo said local business people supported the programme by providing accommodation, transport and meals.
The chairperson of Plumtree Business Association, Mr Ziche Moyo said political will was needed to enhance increased support for the health sector.
“We pay tribute to the voluntary doctors and Cde Khaya Moyo for bringing life to our people. Being a doctor is a calling and it works well where there is political support.
These doctors committed themselves to serve people despite challenges,” said Mr Moyo.
“Thank you Cde Khaya Moyo for initiating this exercise. Often politicians go into power to enrich themselves, but we are happy that there are still a few people like Cde Khaya Moyo who cherish the spirit of helping people like the late Vice President Joshua Nkomo.
“As we go to the next election let us vote for people with a traceable record, people who have done something for their community. Cde Khaya Moyo is one such person, who has shown commitment towards developing his area.”
In his address Cde Khaya Moyo commended the doctors for their sacrifice and vowed to continue supporting the programme.
He said the doctors would take a break for the Christmas and New Year holidays and resume the programme later.
“These are wonderful doctors who are here to save life. I am insignificant in this effort, but all praises should be given to God and stakeholders, who also contributed to the success of the programme,” said Cde Khaya Moyo.
“We are here with all humility to express our sincere gratitude to the doctors. The programme is not over. The doctors will take a break, but they will come back. Let us work together to assist the poor to access health. We might not be perfect, but our efforts must be seen.”
Cde Khaya Moyo took a swipe at some councillors in the two districts who were reportedly discouraging people from seeking treatment.
Also present was Zanu-PF Politburo member Cde Richard Ndlovu, Chiefs Hobodo, Mpini, Wasi and Madlambuzi, heads of Government departments in the districts, the business community and officials from Plumtree Town council.
Online Reporter