Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, Midlands Bureau
THE Government has taken a significant step towards improving healthcare delivery in Midlands Province following the commissioning of a mobile clinic, three ambulances and a minibus at Gweru Provincial Hospital.
The initiative aims to improve access to healthcare services and strengthen emergency response systems across the province, in line with the country’s development agenda and Vision 2030.
The mobile clinic is expected to bring laboratory tests, scans and emergency care closer to rural communities, reducing the distance villagers travel to access health services.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony on Tuesday, Minister of State for Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Owen Ncube said the initiative will significantly strengthen healthcare delivery and expand access to medical services.
“It is with great pleasure that I address you on this landmark commissioning of a highly equipped mobile outreach clinic truck, ambulance and a minibus for Gweru Provincial Hospital, as well as two service vehicles for Gweru and Zvishavane districts, procured by the Second Republic as part of His Excellency the President’s commitment to delivering affordable, equitable and people-centred quality healthcare services,” he said.
Minister Ncube stated that the initiative aligns with the National Development Strategy 2 (NDS2) pillar on social development, gender and social protection, which emphasises improved health and well-being, maternal healthcare and access to essential services.
He noted that the Government has continued to invest in health infrastructure and equipment across the province.
“I previously handed over two staff buses for Gweru and Kwekwe districts, 10 new state-of-the-art ambulances, 15 Toyota health service vehicles and eight Isuzu health service vehicles, among other equipment provided to the province by the Government,” he said.
Minister Ncube added that all eight districts in Midlands Province now have service vehicles and ambulances, while theatre and X-ray equipment have also been supplied.
He explained that the mobile outreach clinic truck is equipped with modern maternity facilities and an advanced ultrasound scanner, effectively making it a mobile multi-purpose clinic capable of performing various medical procedures.
“This will minimise risks for patients who would otherwise have to travel long distances to higher-level health facilities,” he said.
Minister Ncube also highlighted several health infrastructure developments across the province, including the US$13 million ICU centre at Gweru Provincial Hospital, the US$1 million private ward at Zvishavane District Hospital, the rehabilitation of Gweru Infectious Diseases Hospital and refurbishment works at Shurugwi District Hospital.
He mentioned that the integrated outreach clinic programme, being implemented by the Ministry of Health and Child Care in partnership with Unicef, the World Health Organisation and Population Services Zimbabwe, is helping to bring essential primary healthcare services directly to rural and underserved communities.
Minister Ncube also acknowledged the complementary role played by the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, through the Angel of Hope Foundation.
Through the foundation, the First Lady has spearheaded nationwide cancer awareness and screening campaigns, particularly targeting cervical and breast cancer, using mobile clinics to reach rural communities.
“Allow me to extend my sincere gratitude to the mother of the nation, vaMaMoyo, the Health, Tourism, Wildlife and Culture Ambassador, Her Excellency, the First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, Dr A Mnangagwa, for her complementary work towards strengthening the Second Republic’s health service delivery system,” he said.
Other initiatives include the establishment of waiting mothers’ shelters, school feeding programmes, the Toddlers Warm Bowl nutritional support project, neonatal kits for expectant mothers and programmes for drug and substance abuse rehabilitation.
Minister Ncube stated that such initiatives complement the Government’s efforts to strengthen healthcare service delivery across the country.
Meanwhile, Minister Ncube reaffirmed that Midlands Province fully supports the Second Republic’s Constitutional Amendment Bill Number 3 of 2026, saying it operationalises the realisation of Vision 2030 under President Mnangagwa’s leadership, among a series of legal reforms gazetted on 16 February.
“Pursuant to this endeavour, I urge the entire progressive and patriotic Midlands community to fully support the bill as it enters its public consultation stage,” he said.
