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Seke residents were last week offered free medical services and drugs during a two-day medical outreach programme organised by the United Methodist Church men’s fellowship (MUMC), popularly known as Vabvuwi.
A total 1 052 people received treatment for various ailments, with some being screened for cervical cancer and various eye conditions.
HIV testing and counselling services were also offered.
The exercise comes at a time prices of medical drugs and sundries are now beyond the reach of many people.
MUMC’s Chitungwiza-Marondera district chairperson Mr Tapiwa Mupari told The Sunday Mail that US$3 500 was used to procure medicines for the medical outreach programme, which took place at Murape Secondary School.
“The medicines we bought are worth US$3 500. The money came from MUMC members and other partners.
“We work with pharmacists and doctors who advise us on common illnesses and what kind of medicines to buy.
“We also work with local hospitals in the area. We will be hosting a medical outreach so that we can refer critical patients there.
“Right now, we are working with Chitungwiza General Hospital and we have referred some patients to the medical institution,” he said.
The outreach attracted four doctors and 30 nurses who volunteered to offer their services.
Chitungwiza General Hospital provided examination beds and ambulance services.
Out of the 103 women who were screened for cervical cancer, two tested positive.
Some of the beneficiaries of the free medical outreach who talked to The Sunday Mail were thankful for the gesture.
Christopher Dembezeke (47), a teacher at Murape Secondary School, said: “The doctors examined and gave me hypertension medicines, which usually cost US$7 for a monthly course. At least I have saved a lot of money.”
Gracious Demhera (41) said: “I had stomach pains for six months and I did not have money to go and consult a doctor. I have been given medicines for stomach acids. I am very happy that I managed to get both consultation and the medicine for free.”
United Methodist Church’s Chitungwiza-Marondera district’s superintendent, Reverend Godknows Risinamhodzi, said as a church, they were motivated to assist the less privileged.
“As we reach out to communities, we keep in mind that its people must be well in the body for the soul to be well. So we want to reach the wholeness of the body through healing because we know that a lot of people cannot afford basic medical care these days,” he said.
The medical outreach programmes are conducted annually by the church in various districts countrywide.
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