Online Reporter
Kimberley Chitambara [email protected]
FOR two days, Cowdray Park Health Centre became a place of relief and hope for hundreds of vulnerable residents, as volunteer doctors, surgeons, dentists and pharmacists provided free medical care in a major outreach programme targeting underserved communities.
The initiative, organised by the Zimbabwe Medical Association in partnership with the College of Primary Health Care Physicians of Zimbabwe and the Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe under a coalition known as the Matabeleland Nomads Golf Club, ran from May 22 to 23.
It brought much-needed healthcare services to residents of Bulawayo’s largest high-density suburb, many of whom struggle to afford private medical treatment.
Large numbers of residents flocked to the health centre, seeking help for a wide range of conditions, including chronic illnesses, dental problems and specialised surgical consultations.
For some patients, it was the first time in years that they were able to consult a specialist without worrying about consultation fees or treatment costs.
In an interview, Zima vice-president Dr Henry Kuzanga said the outreach demonstrated the medical profession’s continued commitment to supporting vulnerable communities.
“The programme brought together a multi-disciplinary team of volunteers, including general practitioners, physicians, general surgeons, neurosurgeons, obstetricians, gynaecologists, psychiatrists and urologists,” he said.
Dr Kuzanga said dental practitioners from the Dental Association of Zimbabwe also took part, alongside pharmacists from the Pharmaceutical Society of Zimbabwe.
“Patients underwent general screening and assessment on the first day, with those requiring specialised treatment or surgery being attended to on the second day,” he said.
He noted that the outreach forms part of a long-standing tradition of volunteer medical services dating back to the 1990s, where healthcare professionals travel to under-served communities across the Matabeleland region.
“We normally endeavour to conduct four major outreaches a year, covering different parts of the region,” he said.
Dr Kuzanga added that many doctors who once participated as junior practitioners have since become specialists and continue returning to serve through volunteer programmes.
“This programme is also about nurturing a culture of giving back within the medical profession.
“Some of the doctors who are now specialists started by volunteering in these same outreach programmes years ago,” he said.
“The outreach was made possible through partnerships with organisations such as the Matabeleland Nomads Golf Club, which assisted in mobilising medical supplies, equipment and other resources needed for the programme.”
Beyond treating patients during the two-day exercise, the medical teams donated remaining supplies and equipment to Cowdray Park Health Centre to support ongoing healthcare services.
Dr Kuzanga said arrangements had also been made to ensure continued care for patients requiring further treatment.
“We have a close liaison with Mpilo Central Hospital, so that any patient referred there from this outreach will continue to receive treatment free of charge, ensuring continuity of care,” he said.
The programme highlighted the importance of partnerships between medical professionals, communities and volunteer organisations in improving access to healthcare for vulnerable populations.
Dr Kuzanga said the broader aim was not only to provide immediate relief but also to encourage a culture of volunteerism within the medical field.
“Our aim is to improve access to essential medical services while strengthening the spirit of volunteerism among healthcare professionals. Communities should not be denied healthcare simply because they cannot afford it,” he said.
