Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
FIDELITY Life Medical Aid Society (FLIMAS) last Friday officially handed over a refurbished City Clinic to Mutare City Council, in a milestone expected to boost healthcare delivery in the eastern border city.
The upgrade, carried out in partnership with the local authority, is part of wider efforts to strengthen public health infrastructure and expand access to quality care for residents.
Renovations included roof repairs and the installation of modern medical equipment, transforming the facility into a more reliable service point for the community.
Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza, hailed the project as a clear example of how collaboration between Government, councils, and the private sector can drive national development.
He emphasised that the Second Republic, under President Emmerson Mnangagwa, continues to champion a “whole-of-government and whole-of-society” approach to tackling development challenges.
The refurbished clinic is expected to ease pressure on Mutare’s health system, improve patient care, and serve as a model for future partnerships aimed at revitalising public facilities across the province.
“We are living in a time when partnerships are increasingly essential. Government alone cannot carry the full responsibility of development. The private sector and other stakeholders have an important role to play,” he said.
Minister Mugadza said the clinic’s refurbishment align with the Government’s Vision 2030 agenda and National Development Strategy (NDS2), which prioritise healthcare delivery and infrastructure development.
“Today’s event is proof that collaboration delivers results. What we are witnessing is, not just the refurbishment of a building, but an investment in the health and well-being of communities,” he said, adding that improving health institutions contributes directly to national productivity and economic growth.
“When we improve clinics, we are improving people’s lives. We reduce the disease burden and create healthier communities that can actively contribute to national development,” said Minister Mugadza, while commending FLIMAS, Mutare City Council and healthcare workers for ensuring the project’s success.
“This initiative shows that development is more effective when it is inclusive and collaborative. It is a model that should be replicated in other districts and provinces,” he said, adding that the Government remains committed to create an environment that supports investment, healthcare development and strategic partnerships to improve citizens’ quality of life.
“The success of Vision 2030 will depend on the collective efforts of the Government, the private sector, development partners and communities,” he said.
Minister Mugadza also praised healthcare workers for their dedication despite difficult conditions.
“Infrastructure alone is not enough. It is the professionals working inside these institutions who bring hope and healing to our communities,” he said.
FLIMAS chief operations officer, Mr Chakanyuka Nziradzemhuka said the project reflects the organisation’s commitment to improve community healthcare systems beyond its core insurance business.
“It is a great honour to officially hand over the refurbished City Clinic to the City of Mutare. This project represents our commitment to make a meaningful social impact in the communities we serve,” he said, stressing that partnerships must be practical tools for transformation.
“At FLIMAS, we view partnerships as engines for transformation. No institution can achieve sustainable growth in isolation. Collaboration is critical,” he said.
Mr Nziradzemhuka said the refurbishment shows what can be achieved when organisations unite around a shared vision.
He said FLIMAS remains committed to provide affordable healthcare and insurance solutions while investing in social development.
He acknowledged healthcare workers serving under challenging conditions.
“We recognise the dedication of professionals who work tirelessly to care for our people. We hope the refurbished clinic will assist them in carrying out their duties more effectively,” he said.
Mutare residents welcomed the refurbishment, saying it will improve conditions at the clinic.
Ms Memory Masarakufa, of Greenside, said the facelift will restore dignity and improve service delivery.
“We are happy to see the clinic being improved because this is where many of us come for treatment, especially those in low-density suburbs. A better environment gives patients confidence and motivation when seeking medical attention,” she said.
