Online Reporter
Tendai Gukutikwa
Health Reporter
ISLAND Hospice and Healthcare has launched a mobile clinic programme in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to bridge healthcare gaps in underserved communities across Manicaland.
The initiative, currently underway in Zimunya and Gombakomba, seeks to provide palliative care services to vulnerable populations, including the elderly and financially constrained individuals, who struggle to access essential medical care.
Island Hospice and Healthcare’s Mutare branch coordinator, Mrs Alice Dube said the programme is already transforming lives and aligning with the goals of Vision 2030 and the National Development Strategy (NDS1) to ensure universal access to healthcare.
“We are conducting a mobile outreach clinic across the province, covering Zimunya and Gombakomba so far, with plans to expand to the entire province, subject to funding.
“During these outreaches, we provide essential palliative care services to individuals in need,” she said.
The mobile clinic outreach programme is part of a nine-month initiative to complement the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s efforts, further enhancing healthcare access in Manicaland’s underserved communities.
Mrs Dube said the clinics were established in response to concerns raised during focus group discussions.
“These discussions revealed the difficulties faced by many patients, particularly the elderly, in seeking regular medical assistance due to poverty and chronic illness. Community input became the foundation for our growing network of mobile clinics,” she said, adding that the mobile clinic initiative has yielded positive results, demonstrating the effectiveness of collaboration and community-driven care.
“We are proud to partner with the Ministry of Health and Child Care to bring essential services to those who need them most.
“The feedback from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, and we are
committed to continuing this vital work,” she said.
Notably, women constitute the majority of those seeking services, receiving medication, psycho-social support, and bereavement counselling.
Less than half of the individuals accessing services at the mobile clinics were already part of Island Hospice and Healthcare’s care system, while the majority were walk-ins seeking help for the first time.
Initially, the organisation planned to hold one mobile clinic session per month. However, after recognising the challenges faced by community members in accessing the Zimunya Clinic, they decided to bring services closer to the people.
Mrs Dube said the clinics offer more than just medical interventions – as they provide spaces for emotional healing and connection.
“We also offer bereavement counselling, which is often overlooked, but essential, especially for families coping with terminal illness and loss,” she said.
She emphasised the importance of continuity in healthcare delivery, particularly in the context of chronic illness and end-of-life care.
Looking ahead, Mrs Dube said the mobile clinics will continue to rotate through vulnerable communities in Manicaland over the coming months.
The mobile clinics have already made a significant impact on the lives of community members.
Mrs Lucia Mutepfa, a diabetic beneficiary, expressed gratitude for the programme.
“Receiving medication and counselling has brought me immense relief because I could not afford the medication. I hope that they will continue coming and giving us the free treatment and medication,” she
said.
Another beneficiary, Mr Taurai Masvora, echoed similar sentiments.
“I have never felt so seen and heard. The mobile clinic team listened to my concerns and provided me with the care I needed. I would like to thank them for caring for our community,” he said.
