Online Reporter
Michelle Musandinyoze
Herald Correspondent
THE public health system in Matabeleland North yesterday received another ambulance, a fully equipped mobile truck clinic and a 14-seater minibus.
The intervention by Cordaid International and the Ministry of Health and Child Care strengthens ongoing Government efforts to decentralise healthcare services and improve access to quality medical care in remote and historically underserved communities, in line with National Development Strategy (NDS2) and Vision 2030.
The initiative highlights the growing role of public-private partnerships in addressing critical service delivery gaps, with Cordaid International complementing Government investments in health infrastructure, equipment and outreach services across the country.
Commissioning the vehicles, Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Richard Moyo commended Cordaid International and the Ministry of Health and Child Care for prioritising the province, saying the mobile clinic would be a game-changer for districts such as Nkayi, Tsholotsho and Binga, which continue to face challenges related to distance, terrain and limited health facilities.
“I would like to thank the Government, through the Ministry of Health and Child Care, and our partners for availing these mobile health units, which are of great importance to Matabeleland North,” said Minister Moyo.
“This equipment is critical for outreach programmes and will significantly improve access to healthcare services in hard-to-reach communities.”
Minister Moyo said the ambulance will be stationed in Lupane District, enhancing emergency response capacity, while the mobile truck clinic will operate as a provincial roving health facility, delivering services across all districts.
The commissioning comes against the backdrop of Government-led health sector reforms that have seen the construction and upgrading of clinics, recruitment of more health personnel and deployment of ambulances across the country, particularly in rural areas, as the Second Republic seeks to reduce preventable deaths and improve health outcomes.
Matabeleland North Provincial Medical Director Dr Admire Kuretu said the additional equipment marks a major milestone for the province, which has long grappled with healthcare accessibility challenges.
“These mobile units allow us to take healthcare services to the people rather than expecting patients to travel long distances. We will have doctors, nurses and other health practitioners operating from these vehicles, providing essential services directly within communities,” he said.
Dr Kuretu said the ministry is working towards specialised training for health personnel and drivers who will be deployed to the mobile clinic to ensure effective use of onboard equipment and the delivery of quality healthcare services.
The mobile clinic will also be used for health promotion and disease prevention programmes, including vaccination campaigns for both children and adults, maternal and child health services, and community health education.
In addition, the mobile truck clinic is expected to strengthen the province’s public health emergency preparedness, including rapid response to disease outbreaks.
“This facility will allow us to respond swiftly in the event of a new Covid-19 variant or any other public health emergency, ensuring timely intervention and containment,” said Dr Kuretu.
“The initiative reinforces the Government’s commitment to leaving no one and no place behind in health service delivery, while strengthening resilience in rural healthcare systems through strategic partnerships.”
