Government brings health to doorsteps

 

Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter

MINISTRY of Health and Child Care is intensifying door-to-door and outreach health service delivery across Manicaland in a robust show of commitment to leaving no one and no place behind.

Manicaland Provincial Medical Director, Dr Munyaradzi Mukuzunga said this during the official launch of the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme in Mutasa last Saturday.

He said Government’s strategy is about ensuring universal access to healthcare, one household at a time.

“Under the Second Republic’s leadership, the ministry has shifted towards a more inclusive, people-centred approach to healthcare. This includes deploying mobile and home-based services to reach remote and underserved communities in Manicaland.

“A healthy community is a productive one. Our outreaches bring health services directly to people’s doorsteps, ensuring everyone contributes to the nation’s development,” he said.

Although health infrastructure is expanding, some areas still lack nearby facilities, with residents staying over 10 kilometres away. To bridge this gap, the ministry now conducts outreach and door-to-door campaigns.

“We have recognised that some citizens remain unreached or live far from health facilities. Our outreaches ensure these individuals receive care at their doorstep, guaranteeing everyone in Manicaland has access,” said Dr Mukuzunga.

The outreach services are part of an ongoing coordinated effort involving hospitals, clinics, rural health centres, and district hospitals. Regular outreach visits are conducted, joined by district hospitals to ensure that isolated communities receive periodic healthcare services.

“This innovative approach transforms lives and expands healthcare coverage.

The outreach services provide comprehensive care, including health check-ups, maternal and child health services, vaccinations, screenings, and referrals,” he said, adding that as healthcare delivery decentralises, infrastructure development remains a top priority.

Dr Mukuzunga commended the ongoing construction of clinics across Manicaland, particularly in Mutasa District.

“As we build more health facilities, our goal is to ensure that care reaches everyone, regardless of location. We are complementing our infrastructure by building more clinics and health facilities, increasing the number of facilities in Manicaland,” he said, adding that the outreach programmes align with the ministry’s long-term plan to bolster the health workforce.

“In line with Vision 2030, we plan to double our health force by 2030. This means everyone will have access to healthcare, leaving no one and no place behind,” said Dr Mukuzunga, urging the private sector to support Government efforts.

Minister of State for Manicaland Provincial Affairs and Devolution, Advocate Misheck Mugadza praised the initiative’s impact on ordinary citizens’ lives.

“People are sick and these outreach programmes are giving people the chance to access health services. Help is being brought to their doorsteps. Bringing health services nearer to people is a testimony of the Second Republic’s determination to uplift communities by making sure no one is disadvantaged by distance, poverty, or lack of facilities,” he said.

Manicaland Province has made significant strides in expanding its healthcare infrastructure, with 414 clinics and 42 health centres currently operational.

“In Manicaland, we have 414 clinics and 42 health centres. Mutasa District alone boasts 43 clinics, with six more under construction,” he added.