Moffat Mungazi
Lovemore Kadzura
Post Reporter
GOVERNMENT last week partnered with the private sector to provide comprehensive medical assistance to over 900 senior citizens in remote parts of Buhera and Makoni districts.
The exercise, led by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and its main partner, the Insurance and Pension Commission (IPEC), offered free treatment to elderly citizens above 55 years in their communities.
IPEC was supported by players in the pension, insurance, and assurance sectors, including the Zimbabwe Association of Pension Fund (ZAPF), Nyaradzo, Old Mutual, NRZ Contributory Pension Fund, Minerva Risk Advisors, and Zimnat.
The Ministry of Health and Child Care provided doctors, nurses, and other personnel to attend to the patients.
IPEC public relations manager, Mr Lloyd Gumbo said the senior citizens received treatment and care for diseases such as high blood pressure, diabetes check-ups as well as prostate cancer screening.
“The Insurance and Pensions Commission, in collaboration with the Zimbabwe Association of Pension Funds (ZAPF), Nyaradzo, and Old Mutual Life Assurance Companies, National Railways of Zimbabwe Contributory Pension Fund, Minerva Risk Advisors, and Zimnat, successfully conducted a comprehensive medical outreach programme, targeting the elderly in Buhera and Makoni districts from May 26 to 30.
“The initiative, held at various clinics in Buhera and Makoni districts, provided free medical services to over 900 beneficiaries, significantly improving access to healthcare for vulnerable communities. Elderly villagers received services, including general medical consultations, prostate cancer screening, blood pressure and sugar level checks, and access to essential medications,” he said.
Mr Gumbo expressed gratitude to IPEC partners for their support and contributions, which made the outreach a success.
He also thanked the Ministry of Health and Child Care, the Ministry of Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare, and local community leaders for their roles in the programme’s success.
“The outreach is part of IPEC’s broader commitment to good corporate citizenship, and more such initiatives are planned to reach communities in other parts of the country,” said Mr Gumbo.
Makoni Rural District Council acting chairperson, Councillor Elah Hlanguyo praised the programme for catering to everyone who attended, regardless of age.
“They targeted the elderly from 55 years and above, but ended up embracing everyone who turned up. Doctors and nurses attended to various ailments, bringing services right to the people’s doorsteps,” she said.
Councillor Hlanguyo said the programme highlighted the significant medical needs within the communities.
“We applaud Government and private sector players for this initiative. We recommend that future programmes cover all wards in the district. This was a great starting point. Our elderly citizens require regular medical check-ups to remain healthy and fit,” said Councillor Hlanguyo.
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