Online Reporter
Nomalisa Gumpo, [email protected]
A group of Zimbabweans based in the United Kingdom yesterday handed over a donation of wheelchairs to Mpilo Central Hospital in Bulawayo.
The support has been sourced under the Matabeleland Health (MatHealth) initiative, a health-focused wing of the Sakhelenezinini group of locals based in the diaspora.
The initiative seeks to improve patient care and mobility for those in need at the hospital.
In his remarks, Mpilo Hospital’s acting director of operations, principal nursing officer Phinias Sithole, expressed gratitude for the donation, and described the gesture as a demonstration of patriotism and compassion from Zimbabweans living abroad.
“They have shown commitment by working hard and remembering their relatives and colleagues back home,” he said.
“Some of our current wheelchairs are very old and no longer have footrests, which affects patient comfort and safety.
These new ones are intact and will make a big difference,” Mr Sithole said.
He urged others in the diaspora and locally to emulate the example set by the group.
“We have some local people, who have enough resources but don’t know how to use them for the greater good.
“When they see this kind of initiative, it can inspire them to also give back to their communities,” said Sithole.
The diaspora team was represented by Mr. Jethro Siziba and Dr. Onias Mangena, both members of the MatHealth Management Committee. Dr Mangena said that the donation was inspired by a personal experience.
“I brought my 104-year-old uncle here a few months back for treatment and noticed that he was wheeled in a dilapidated chair with no footrests,” he said.
“His legs were hanging in the air. I immediately told the matron I would speak to my friends in the UK, and that’s how this donation came about.”
Dr. Mangena said the group, which comprises professionals from various fields, launched a fundraising campaign among themselves to raise funds for the wheelchairs.
“We are Zimbabweans who want to respond quickly and privately to needs back home. We look for areas that are already functioning and try to support them,” he said.
MatHealth works in collaboration with healthcare institutions to address gaps in the health sector. Their focus is on providing targeted support and strengthening existing systems.
The donation comes at a critical time when Mpilo continues to deal with aging equipment and increasing demand for services
“This donation is not only for Mpilo but as a referral center for the southern region of the country, meaning we look at patients from different provinces, including surrounding neighboring countries. We appreciate this gesture,” said Mr. Sithole.
