Obey Musiwa-Herald Correspondent
THE health sector yesterday paid its last respects to Dr Douglas Magwanya, former Director of Laboratory Services in the Ministry of Health and Child Care, who was remembered as a principled leader, mentor, and key figure in strengthening the country’s diagnostic capacity.
At his funeral service, colleagues and former superiors paid tribute to a career marked by professional ethics, academic excellence, and dedicated service to the nation.
Former Health and Child Care Minister Dr Obadiah Moyo said Dr Magwanya’s greatest strength was his character and commitment to professional ethics.
“Douglas taught everyone the correct ethics in laboratory medicine,” he said.
Dr Moyo added that Dr Magwanya also had a rare ability to resolve tense situations and bring people together through dialogue. When colleagues needed support, he said, Dr Magwanya was always willing to assist.
“He would come to you and talk to you, and by the end of his discussion, you were truly convinced,” he said.
Dr Moyo praised Dr Magwanya’s academic achievements and contribution to the development of laboratory medicine, noting that he had earned a Master’s Degree in Clinical Biochemistry from the University of Leeds in the United Kingdom before returning home to strengthen the profession.
“He learnt at one of the top five universities in the United Kingdom and returned home to strengthen the profession.
“He knew how to organise and get equipment for the country, irrespective of the sanctions which were biting us,” Dr Moyo said.
He noted that Dr Magwanya retired in 2021 but continued to be consulted by the ministry because of his experience and expertise. After retirement, Dr Magwanya turned to farming and also served as a councillor in his community.
Health Service Commission deputy chairperson Dr Rugare Kangwende said the Commission valued his contribution to the health sector, particularly his dedication to his work and mentorship of others.
“He is a good example of somebody who worked very hard in the Ministry of Health and Child Care. His mentorship continued after retirement,” she said.
Major-General (Retired) Dr Gerald Gwinji, now a Commissioner in the Health Service Commission, said he worked alongside Dr Magwanya after joining the ministry as permanent secretary in 2009.
He explained that Dr Magwanya had helped expand the country’s laboratory capacity despite limited financial resources, using negotiations, partnerships, and prudent management of Government resources to secure basic equipment for laboratories across the country.
“That was very good for clinical services,” Dr Gwinji said.
Dr Magwanya’s colleagues said his legacy will live on through the professionals he mentored and the diagnostic services he helped strengthen, with his commitment to ethical practice and public service remaining a shining example for the entire health sector.
