Vusumuzi Dube
Rutendo Nyeve, Sunday News Reporter
THE Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA)’s free medical outreach exercise received an overwhelming response from communities in Lupane District, Matabeleland North Province with more than 500 villagers benefitting from the services meant to deal with various health issues.
The one-week outreach programme, which ended on Thursday last week was carried out by the ZNA’s One Infantry Brigade targeting previously marginalised communities.
In a statement, the ZNA Public Relations Directorate Colonel Alphios Makotore said the programme was part of the army’s routine training exercise meant to impart members of the military personnel with contemporary warfare practices.
“The Zimbabwe National Army’s One Infantry Brigade last week conducted a field training exercise with 1.2 Infantry Battalion spearheading the exercise, which took place in Lupane District from 19 September 2024 to 26 September 2024. During the exercise, the Brigade’s Field Ambulance Company carried out a successful medical outreach programme in Jotsholo area.
“The initiative brought together health and medical professionals from the Brigade and local healthcare providers at Jotsholo Clinic where they delivered quality healthcare services to the community. The medical outreach programme was highly successful in the area as the ZNA personnel provided free medical services and treatment to more than 500 community members,” said Col Makotore.
The exercise was well received by the community, with many locals expressing gratitude for the free medical care and attention provided by the army medical personnel.
Col Makotore said the programme underscores the importance of collaboration between the military and civilian organisations in promoting health and development in the rural areas.
Chief Mabhikwa of Lupane District expressed his gratitude to One Infantry Brigade for the work that they did during the exercise and said he hopes to see them spread their wings across the entire region.
“Siyafisa ukuthi iZimbabwe National Army iphenduke njalo isilaphele ezinye izakhamizi ezise Lupane West njengoba khathesi bebelapha eLupane East (We hope to see the Zimbabwe National Army returning to conduct their medical outreach programme and this time around, spread it to Lupane West as they were in the Eastern side),” said Chief Mabhikwa.
Commander One Infantry Brigade, Brigadier-General George Chitsva assured the community that providing health assistance to locals was one of the core mandates of the Zimbabwe National Army.
“This outreach was a success through the support and attendance of the community members. As ZNA, it is our mandate to provide Civil Military Aid to members of the community and we are committed to continuous provision of health assistance to our local communities,” said Brig-Gen Chitsva.
Brig Gen Chitsva also announced that One Infantry Brigade would be participating in the Chief’s Day event, which will be held on 3 October in Binga.
One of the community members, a Mrs Luphahla said the programme was a relief to the community as treatment was brought closer to them through the assistance of Dr Kudzai Chigubhu, the Brigade’s medical doctor. —@nyeve14
Online Reporter