Online Reporter
Sifelani Tsiko
Fact Check Editor
THE medical fraternity has paid tribute to national hero and pioneering physician Professor Herbert Mapfumo Chinyanga for his unwavering dedication and invaluable contributions to the country’s healthcare sector.
Prof Chinyanga passed away in South Africa on July 2 this year. He was 86.
Zimbabwe Anaesthetic Association president Dr Musvo Mapfanyangira said her association was grateful that Prof Chinyanga was conferred with national hero status.
“Less than a year ago, our association gathered to honour Professor Chinyanga as the Father of Anaesthesia in Zimbabwe, in recognition of the training programme he built from its infancy in 1986 and the generations of specialists it has since produced,” she said.
“Today, the nation joins us in that recognition, affirming what our profession has long known: that safe surgery, safe childbirth, and safe critical care for every Zimbabwean owe an immeasurable debt to the foundation he laid.”
She described Prof Chinyanga as a legendary physician whose remarkable legacy will continue to inspire generations of healthcare professionals.
“Every anaesthetist practising in Zimbabwe today, and every programme that has grown from the one he pioneered, stands as living testimony to his life’s work,” Dr Mapfanyangira said.
“We thank the Government and people of Zimbabwe for this fitting tribute, and we recommit ourselves, as his professional family, to carrying forward the standard of excellence and service he set for us.”
Prof Chinyanga helped to shape and influence the growth of the country’s first studies in anaesthetics, helping this discipline to become one of the strongest medical disciplines in Zimbabwe.
Prof Chinyanga, who was described as a ‘giant in medicine, teacher and mentor ’, played an instrumental role in ensuring safer surgery procedures, stronger intensive care services and improved patient outcomes for Zimbabweans.
“Today, I pay tribute to you for the great work you have done in the field of anaesthesia. You initiated the MMed programme in Anaesthesia and Critical Care in Zimbabwe,” said Dr Doreen Mashava.
“You were a great mentor and motivator. Your words of encouragement pushed me to excel in my training.
“Even after training, you did not cut ties, but we continued to communicate regularly even till you were down in South Africa. Rest in peace, Prof Chinyanga.”
Prof Chinyanga served in several academic roles at both local, regional and international levels.
He was chairman of the Department of Anaesthetics before he later served as Acting Pro-Vice Chancellor of the University of Zimbabwe College of Health Sciences.
The eminent physician is widely credited for the establishment of the School of Medicine at the National University of Science and Technology as well as the School of Medicine at Midlands State University.
Other institutions that he served include the Zimbabwe Anaesthetic Association, Central African Journal of Medicine, World Federation of Societies of Anaesthesiologists, Medicines Control Authority of Zimbabwe and the Research Council of Zimbabwe.
Prof Chinyanga was born on July 26, 1939. His wife passed away three years ago.
He will be cremated, according to his will.
He is survived by his son Farayi and three grandchildren.
