Online Reporter
Herald Reporter
THOUSANDS of people in Nyanga North have received free medical consultations, diagnosis and treatment through a large-scale health outreach programme funded by Interpath Medical Laboratories founder and chemical pathologist Dr Henry Dandadzi in partnership with the constituency’s legislator and Deputy Minister of Home Affairs and Cultural Heritage, Chido Sanyatwe.
The outreach, which brought specialist healthcare services closer to communities that often struggle to access affordable medical care, is complementing Government efforts to improve healthcare delivery and ensure that no community is left behind, in line with the Second Republic’s drive towards universal health coverage.
The programme also benefited liberation war veterans, their families and other vulnerable groups in the constituency, reinforcing Government’s commitment to improving the welfare of heroes and heroines who contributed to Zimbabwe’s independence.
Dr Dandadzi said the initiative was aimed at supporting vulnerable communities while reinforcing Government programmes designed to improve access to healthcare services.
“This is about giving back,” he said.
“It is also about supporting what Government is trying to achieve; ensuring that people can access medical care without financial struggle.”
For the outreach, Dr Dandadzi mobilised a team of nine medical doctors and 20 nurses drawn from his medical network, who provided consultations, diagnoses and treatment for a wide range of ailments affecting residents across the constituency.
The team also distributed medicines for common illnesses, enabling thousands of beneficiaries to receive treatment free of charge.
Dr Dandadzi acknowledged the contribution of his wife, Mrs Charlene Dandadzi, whom he credited with coordinating the procurement of medicines used during the outreach.
“My wife ensured that the medicines were put in place to support this programme. Her dedication is appreciated, and we thank God for making this possible,” he said.
He said improving access to healthcare was critical in supporting communities and complementing Government efforts to strengthen social service delivery.
Dr Dandadzi also sponsored a football tournament, saying sport plays an important role in promoting social cohesion and creating positive opportunities for young people.
“Sport brings people together. It strengthens communities and creates positive engagement for our youth,” he said.
He added that his philanthropic work was inspired by the values instilled in him by his late father.
“My father taught me business early. This is part of that upbringing, using what we have to help others,” he said.
Dr Dandadzi also acknowledged support from members of the business community, including Wildfin Microfinance chief executive officer Mr David Mantiziba, Skylake Borehole Drilling managing director Mr Tatenda Samukange and Brunok Investments’ Mr Isaiah Butau, whose contributions helped make the programme possible.
Beneficiaries from across Nyanga North praised the initiative, saying it had provided critical healthcare services that many would otherwise have struggled to access.
“This is a blessing,” said one beneficiary. “We have been looking for help, and today we are receiving treatment freely. We are grateful.”
The outreach reflects the growing role of the private sector in complementing Government programmes aimed at improving access to essential services, supporting vulnerable communities and advancing Zimbabwe’s Vision 2030 of attaining an empowered upper-middle-income economy.
