Moffat Mungazi
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
CHIPINGE District now has three functional X-ray machines at public health institutions, following the installation of two digital X-rays at Mount Selinda and St Peter’s Mission hospitals recently.
Previously, the entire district relied on one X-ray machine at Chipinge District Hospital, forcing patients to travel long distances to access the service in Chipinge town.
The installation of the digital X-ray machines is expected to improve healthcare in Chipinge significantly, as patients will no longer face unnecessary delays in accessing diagnostic services.
This move aligns with Government’s commitment to achieving universal health coverage and ensuring that no Zimbabwean is left behind when it comes to accessing quality healthcare.
In an interview, Chipinge District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Ozimmo Matekenya, said the two digital X-ray machines are state-of-the-art, and will enhance health officials’ diagnostic capabilities, enabling them to provide better healthcare services to the Chipinge community.
The two mission hospitals have a catchment area of nearly 200 000 people.
“Mt Selinda Mission Hospital and St Peter’s Mission Hospital now have digital X-ray machines with better picture quality. This will help us to diagnose diseases clearly, including chest X-rays for tuberculosis patients, as well as those who have fractured bones. Before, people had to wait in long queues at Chipinge District Hospital or travel all the way to Mutare for something as simple as an X-ray. Now, we can serve patients faster and more effectively. It is truly a game changer for healthcare in the district,” said Dr Matekenya.
He thanked President Mnangagwa and his Government for prioritising healthcare infrastructure development in rural areas, emphasising that the new machines would save lives and reduce the burden on Chipinge District Hospital.
“We thank President Mnangagwa and his Government for the X-rays. This investment shows a commitment to improve healthcare access for everyone, including those in remote areas. I encourage community members to take advantage of this critical health service, which is now available closer home and at public health institutions. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent complications and save lives,” he added.
Dr Matekenya expressed optimism that the new machines will inspire more community members to seek timely medical attention, reducing the prevalence of preventable diseases and injuries.
He added that the installation of the X-ray machines at Mt Selinda and St Peter’s Mission Hospitals marks a major milestone for Chipinge’s healthcare system, promising a brighter, healthier future for the district.
“The goal is, not just to have the machines, but to utilise them to their full potential to save and improve lives. This is just the beginning of what we hope will be a continuous improvement of healthcare infrastructure in Chipinge,” he said.
Mt Selinda villager, Mrs Enisia Mutsambiwa, shared how her family had struggled to access X-ray services in the past.
She said the arrival of the X-ray machines brings immense relief.
“My son broke his arm while playing football at school, and we had to travel to Chipinge town for an X-ray. It was an hour-long journey, and we spent the whole day waiting at the hospital. The costs were unbearable because we had to pay for transport and food on top of the medical fees. Now that Mt Selinda Hospital has an X-ray machine, people like us who live far from town will be able to get help quickly. I am so grateful for this development because it will save families from unnecessary expenses and suffering,” she said.
Another villager, Mr Wilson Simango echoed similar sentiments, emphasising how the new equipment will ease the financial burden on rural communities.
“Before, if you got injured or had a chest problem, you had to choose between travelling long distances or relying on traditional remedies, while hoping for the best. For people like me who survive on farming, taking a whole day off to go to the district hospital meant losing money. Transport costs alone were enough to discourage people from seeking medical help. But now, with X-ray services closer, people will not delay going to the hospital, and this means more lives will be saved. We appreciate this effort by Government, and we hope more rural hospitals will be equipped like this,” said Mr Simango.
Online Reporter