Chronicle Editor
Midlands Bureau Chief
MORE than 500 residents from Shurugwi in the Midlands province received free health care services during an outreach programme organised by Chengxi Mining Company in collaboration with Zimasco on Tuesday.
A team of Chinese medical experts visited the mining town to offer free health care services in a move welcomed by the local community for complementing the Government efforts in the provision of quality health care.
Some residents who had backache problems also received acupuncture treatments.
Mr Thomas Nkomo, who had a back problem said he was glad to have been assisted by the Chinese doctors.
“I would like to thank President Mnangagwa for sending his partners to help people in our area to access medical services free of charge,” he said.
“I had a problem with my back for the past four years and I am grateful that I was assisted.”
Mrs Annie Mawere commended the companies involved in the initiative for coming to the rescue of residents saying some beneficiaries did not have money to seek medical attention.
“This is a good initiative, and we commend the Chinese firm and Zimasco for remembering us with these medical experts. This is good and commendable. We are very happy, and Vision 2030 is achievable.”
According to Chengxi Mining Company general manager, Mr Simon Karimanzira, the initiative is part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme meant to bring health care services closer to the people.
“The turnout has been more than we anticipated, and I would say we are overwhelmed. This is part of our CSR. We are happy that we have managed to fulfil one of our goals as a mining entity, which is to bring health services closer to the people,” he said.
“We will continue to do more programmes that will benefit the community.”
With the World Health Organisation (WHO) recommending acupuncture for the treatment of adverse reactions to radiotherapy, chemotherapy and allergies, Chinese medical doctors’ team leader Dr Hu Shu explained the objectives of the initiative.
“There are a lot of benefits for acupuncture. Most of the people would have done everything and will be seeking help with pain, maybe after a stroke. Some come for conditions like fibroids, among others.
“Basically, acupuncture complements what we are already using in our health system. It is not a substitute for what we have been doing,” said Dr Shu.
Collaboration between China and Zimbabwe in the provision of health care is in line with the objectives of the Health and Well-Being Cluster under the National Development Strategy (NDS1).
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