Dr Chaibva dies

Vusumuzi Dube, Sunday News Reporter
RENOWNED medical practitioner and former clinical director at Ingutsheni Central Hospital in Bulawayo, Dr Naboth Chaibva has died.

Dr Chaibva also once served as Mpilo Central Hospital medical superintendent. Confirming Dr Chaibva’s death, his son Mr Farai Chaibva said they had lost a devoted family man who opened his house to everyone.

“To him anything was possible, no mountain was too high. He had a very sharp mind while he remained practical. Anybody could be treated by him, at any one time there was someone recuperating at his home. He was a devoted family man who opened his home to all and sundry. Over and above, nothing was too broken to be mended. We were privileged to be part of his family,” said Mr Chaibva.

Zimbabwe Medical Association (Zima) Matabeleland regional president, Dr Wedu Ndebele said the medical fraternity had been robbed of a hard working professional who had dedicated the better part of his life serving the community.

“We are saddened and shocked by his sudden departure because he was active hence we did not expect such sad news. Actually just a week ago we had a Zima meeting and he was vibrant, making contributions right through the meeting,’’ said Dr Ndebele.

Mpilo Hospital clinical director, Dr Solwayo Ngwenya echoed Dr Ndebele’s sentiments revealing that a lot of doctors were nurtured by Dr Chaibva during his time at Mpilo and Ingutsheni.

“We received the sad news with shock, he has in the past worked at Mpilo for decades and nurtured a number of senior doctors here at Mpilo. It is really sad,” said Dr Ngwenya.

In 2015, Dr Chaibva underwent a successful kidney transplant, with his daughter Mrs Heather Chaibva-Govere being the donor.