Online Reporter
Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, [email protected]
VICE President Kembo Mohadi has reaffirmed the Second Republic’s commitment to transforming Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector through comprehensive reforms and strategic partnerships aimed at improving access to affordable and quality medical services for all citizens.
Speaking during the commissioning of the Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Clinic in Gwanda on Wednesday, VP Mohadi said Government will continue to prioritise healthcare delivery as a key pillar of Vision 2030, while encouraging greater participation by local philanthropists and private sector players in strengthening public health systems.
The newly commissioned clinic, located in the Garikai/Hlalani Kuhle suburb, is expected to significantly improve access to healthcare in Gwanda, which has long relied on a single public clinic to serve a rapidly growing population.
Named after the late Father Zimbabwe, Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo, the facility will provide free healthcare services to liberation war veterans and persons with disabilities, while also catering for the wider community.
VP Mohadi said the project, spearheaded by local philanthropist Mr Jimayi Muduvuri through the Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital, demonstrates how collaboration between Government and citizens can accelerate development and improve livelihoods.
“The construction of this clinic by one of our own is a welcome development as we move towards Vision 2030. The clinic will go a long way in servicing the people of Gwanda, Matabeleland South Province and Zimbabwe at large. It will further reduce the distances travelled by our people to access healthcare, especially women and children.”
VP Mohadi commended Mr Muduvuri for complementing Government efforts in advancing inclusive development in line with President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
“I commend Cde Jimayi Muduvuri and his team at Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital for complementing Government efforts as we seek to leave no one and no place behind. This is a manifestation of our belief and the fulfilment of His Excellency Dr ED Mnangagwa’s mantra that ‘Nyika inovakwa, igonamatirwa, igotongwa nevene vayo’,” he said.
VP Mohadi said the facility was also a fitting tribute to the late Dr Joshua Nkomo, whose contribution to Zimbabwe’s liberation and nation-building remains unmatched.
The commissioning of the clinic comes as Government intensifies efforts to modernise the country’s healthcare system under the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2), which prioritises infrastructure development, improved access to medicines and the strengthening of primary healthcare services.
Since the advent of the Second Republic, Government has embarked on widespread refurbishment and construction of hospitals and clinics across the country, while also recruiting additional health personnel and investing in critical medical equipment.
Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Sleiman Timios Kwidini said the new clinic would ease pressure on existing facilities in Gwanda urban, where Phakama Clinic has been serving more than 27 000 residents.
“This situation has led to long queues, extended waiting times and limited access to timely care. The opening of this clinic will significantly ease pressure on existing services, bring healthcare closer to the people and improve overall service delivery. This milestone reflects the commitment of the Second Republic to leaving no one and no place behind as we advance towards achieving a modern and inclusive health system under Vision 2030,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kwidini described the clinic as a symbol of resilience, collaboration and people-centred development.
“The Dr Joshua M Nkomo Clinic is more than a building — it stands as a symbol of collaboration, resilience and a shared national vision for a healthier Zimbabwe, made possible through partnership between Government, the private sector and communities,” he said.
Deputy Minister Kwidini said such partnerships were critical in complementing Government efforts and accelerating healthcare reforms.
In remarks read on his behalf by the Director of Finance, Administration and Human Resources, Mr Edward Mandeya, Minister of State for Matabeleland South Provincial Affairs and Devolution Albert Nguluvhe said the clinic represents inclusive development and social justice.
“We are particularly pleased that this facility has been deliberately designed to cater for war veterans, war collaborators, the elderly and persons living with disabilities, whose sacrifices and contributions to our nation can never be overlooked. Healthcare delivery remains a cornerstone in the attainment of Vision 2030 and the realisation of an upper-middle-income economy.”
Mr Muduvuri said the project forms part of a nationwide programme to build clinics in all provinces in support of Government’s development agenda.
He said the organisation aims to construct 35 clinics countrywide.
“Our desire is to give back to communities and help develop the country. As Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital, we thank the Second Republic under the wise leadership of President Mnangagwa for the support. The President has a policy that ‘Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo’. We are doing everything possible to build the economy because Zimbabwe belongs to us,” said Mr Muduvuri.
He said the clinic honours the legacy of Dr Joshua Nkomo, whose sacrifices laid the foundation for an independent Zimbabwe.
Mr Muduvuri said their vision is to benchmark against world-class health institutions and offer comprehensive healthcare services ranging from casualty, maternity, pharmacy, theatre, laboratory, radiotherapy and chemotherapy to rehabilitation and physiotherapy.
The Dr Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Clinic joins a growing list of health institutions built by the Muduvuri Rehabilitation and Empowerment Foundation across Zimbabwe, including clinics named after the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, and national heroes such as Chief Rekai Tangwena, Robert Mugabe, Simon Muzenda, Mama Mafuyana, Ndabaningi Sithole, Herbert Chitepo and Josiah Tongogara. — @DubeMatutu
