Online Reporter
Gibson Mhaka
IN line with the Government’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind, the country’s largest private medical aid society and health service provider, Cimas Health Group, through its dental unit, has partnered with Smilestar, a United Kingdom-based dental charity organisation, and embarked on a two-week-long dental outreach programme in Matabeleland North Province.
The two-week free dental care outreach programme, held from March 11 to March 20, began at Chinotimba Medical Centre in Victoria Falls, where treatment was provided to patients for four days.
Following the successful Victoria Falls mission, the medical team moved to Hwange from March 17 to March 20, offering dental services at Hwange Miombo Safari Camp in Dete.
The dental outreach programme was aimed at providing essential oral healthcare services to underprivileged communities in Matabeleland North Province.
As part of the dental outreach program, Cimas Health Group not only provided their doctors but also offered their fully equipped mobile clinic free of charge.
According to Cimas Health Group, the mobile clinic allows for the delivery of the same level of care one would receive in a high-end dental clinic.
Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Vuli Ndlovu, said the dental outreach programme aligns with their purpose to inspire healthier communities.
“We are proud to have collaborated with the UK-based Smilestar and other local partners who also came on board such as Chinotimba Clinic (Chinotimba Medical Centre), Victoria Falls Safari Lodge and Hwange Miombo Safari Camp for this initiative which is crucial in enhancing oral health awareness and accessibility, ultimately contributing to overall community well-being.
“Smilestar’s goal of delivering free dental care to those in need, particularly in areas where access to such services is limited perfectly aligns with our purpose at Cimas Health Group hence, the effective partnership for this outreach programme,” said Ndlovu.
He said their organisation believes that access to healthcare, including oral health, is a fundamental right, adding that they are committed to improving health outcomes and fostering healthier futures for all.
“Partnering Smilestar and providing our fully equipped mobile clinic for free that allows delivery of the exact level of care one would get in a high-end dental clinic, as well as our doctors is a testament to our commitment to extending essential medical services to underserved area.
“We believe that oral healthcare must be accessed across all corners of the country, especially remote communities where such services are often unavailable.
“Through this outreach with both our international and local partners, we were not only providing immediate dental treatment, but also educated and empowered communities with sustainable oral health knowledge that will benefit them for years to come.
“We fully support government programmes that help vulnerable communities through its philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind,” said Ndlovu.
Founder of Smilestar, Dr Mitesh Badiani, commended their partnership with Cimas Health, saying it helped to successfully achieve its goals of providing free access to oral healthcare to remote and underprivileged communities.
“Cimas Health Group’s support, including the provision of their doctor and a fully equipped mobile dental clinic, significantly enhanced our ability to deliver quality care with more treatment options for the local population. “Such a setup allowed us to offer much better services, as we were able to refer for restorative treatments and simple root fillings work ensuring more comprehensive dental care for the communities we serve,” said Dr Badiani.
Dr Badiani said they had not been able to offer such a service in their previous outreach programmes.
“This is how I envisage the future of Smilestar all over the world where a mobile dental clinic accompanies our team in every outreach we undertake.”
He said Cimas Health Group’s contribution has significantly enhanced the quality and efficiency of the care they delivered during the outreach.
“Previously I have worked with companies with mobile dental clinics and non-have had the equipment, materials, and expertise of the local dentist and his Cimas Health Group team were able to provide,” he said.
