Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
A COMPREHENSIVE medical outreach programme, spearheaded by the Bridging Gaps Foundation, has provided free medical attention to over 840 patients in remote Nyanga North over the past month.
The programme, which was conducted in collaboration with the Seventh Day Adventist Church, brought together a team of 30 volunteer doctors, who offered diagnosis, treatment, and referrals to a total of 842 patients.
The patients received treatment for a range of ailments, including hypertension, diabetes, eye infections, skin conditions, and other chronic illnesses.
The philanthropic organisation, founded by businessman and humanitarian, Dr Kudakwashe Tagwirei and his wife Mrs Sandra Tagwirei, carried out the life-changing health initiative.
Speaking at Kambudzi Clinic on the final day of the month-long programme, Dr Tagwirei reiterated the foundation’s commitment to delivering lasting impact through compassionate healthcare support.
He said the initiative is part of BGF’s broader mission to support the Government’s Vision 2030 through targeted health, food, and water interventions.
“The programme’s health focus has brought essential services to an area where residents often travel long distances to access clinics, and where medical facilities are under-equipped and overburdened. We did not come here as visitors.
‘‘We came here to walk with you. We believe that true ministry goes beyond the pulpit. It is about serving the people where they are physically, emotionally, and spiritually. This is the gospel of service,” he said.
To bolster health service delivery in the constituency, the Bridging Gaps Foundation donated vital equipment to Kambudzi Clinic, including two delivery beds, two ward beds, linen, and two wheelchairs.
The donation is expected to significantly enhance maternal health and reduce home-based deliveries, which remain prevalent in Nyanga North.
Dr Tagwirei said the initiative extends beyond charitable gestures, aiming to restore dignity and save lives.
“Health is the cornerstone of everything.
‘‘We cannot discuss development, productivity, or prosperity without first addressing the physical well-being of our communities. We are committed to supporting the Nyanga North community on this journey,” he said, also emphasised the importance of continuity in health services beyond mobile outreach efforts.
He urged other organisations to complement government health systems in rural areas.
Furthermore, Dr Tagwirei announced that the foundation will soon deploy five permanent staff members to Nyanga North to facilitate the coordination of ongoing and future projects.
Dr Tagwirei encouraged community leaders and residents to take ownership of the projects to ensure their sustainability.
“Development is a collective effort. We are laying the foundation, but it is up to the community to build upon it,” he said.
Mrs Tagwirei said the foundation’s humanitarian efforts are driven by their Christian faith and hope in the second coming of Christ.
“We are fulfilling our Christian duty by providing support to those in need. While we cannot eradicate all suffering, our goal is to make life easier for others as we await the second coming of Jesus. No one should have to choose between food and healthcare.
‘‘We are here to share our resources with those who need them most,” she explained.
Nyanga North legislator, Honourable Chido Sanyatwe expressed her heartfelt gratitude to BGF for their support to her constituency.
She acknowledged that the donations are already making a positive impact on maternal care.
“This is not just a donation — it is an act of love.
‘‘You have transformed the lives of numerous families through free treatment and improved access to clean water.
‘‘We are delighted that the outreach provided not only free general consultations, but also specialised care for chronic illnesses like diabetes and hypertension.
‘‘We thank Dr and Mrs Tagwirei for recognising the needs of our people and standing with us,” she said.
The outreach programme also included significant interventions in water and food security.
BGF installed three boreholes for the clinic, school, and wider community in Ward 9.
Dr Tagwirei pledging to drill seven more across the constituency.
Pastor Godfrey Musara, President of the SDA East Union Conference, commended the peaceful environment fostered by the Government, enabling religious institutions to contribute meaningfully to national development.
Mrs Agnes Karirwi (53), an arthritis patient, expressed her gratitude for receiving free treatment during the outreach.
Another beneficiary, Ms Tendai Mudzinge, said her youngest daughter was diagnosed with a skin infection and treated on the spot.
