Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Writer
A new helipad has been launched at St Anne’s Mission Hospital in Brunapeg, Mangwe District, marking a significant advancement in emergency healthcare services for rural communities in Matabeleland South Province.
The facility will serve as a key operational base for Helidrive Zimbabwe, the country’s intensive care unit (ICU) air ambulance service, which offers free, life-saving airlifts for critically ill patients to referral hospitals such as Mpilo Central Hospital and the United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH).
Speaking at the official launch, Minister of State for Provincial Affairs and Devolution in Matabeleland South, Albert Nguluvhe, described the helipad as a breakthrough in rural healthcare delivery.
“This is not only a milestone for the hospital, but also a major step forward for the entire province in strengthening access to emergency healthcare. I wish to acknowledge the tireless efforts of the hospital leadership, our development partners and the wider community, who worked together to make this dream a reality. This project stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when Government, church institutions, and communities unite for the greater good,” he said.
Minister Nguluvhe said the initiative reflects the spirit of collaboration between the Government, church institutions, and communities, and aligns with President Mnangagwa’s vision for universal health coverage under the Second Republic.
“In emergencies such as accidents, obstetric complications, and other life-threatening conditions, every second counts — and this helipad will quite literally save lives. The Second Republic, under the visionary leadership of His Excellency, President Emmerson Dambudzo Mnangagwa, has placed health at the centre of our development agenda. Infrastructure such as this helipad supports our national commitment to universal health coverage and ensures that no citizen is left behind, regardless of where they live.”
Minister Nguluvhe also commended the institution for its longstanding contribution to the country’s health sector.
“St Anne’s Mission Hospital has always been a beacon of service and compassion in this region. The collaboration between the Government, the church, and partners here is a demonstration of unity in purpose.
“Together, we are proving that healthcare delivery is not the responsibility of Government alone, but of every stakeholder who values human life. This helipad is not just a facility — it is a symbol of mercy, compassion and progress, and a lifeline for the people of Brunapeg and beyond,” he said.
Helidrive Zimbabwe has played a crucial role in improving medical response times in remote areas, particularly for patients requiring urgent specialist care not available in local clinics or district hospitals.
Rural communities in Matabeleland South have long faced challenges in accessing advanced medical care due to poor road infrastructure and limited emergency transport options. The introduction of air ambulance services, especially through Helidrive Zimbabwe, has been hailed as a transformative step in bridging healthcare gaps between urban and rural areas.
The Second Republic’s health infrastructure drive has prioritised the establishment of clinics, staff accommodation, and emergency response facilities in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1), which seeks to ensure that no citizen is left behind in accessing quality healthcare. — @mthabisi_mthire
