Online Reporter
Online Reporter
MORE than 1 000 people received free medical consultations and medication at St Paul’s Mission in Lupane, Matabeleland North, during the Gatsheniville Sporting Extravaganza yesterday.
The medical outreach, organised by Discovery Ambulance Services in partnership with the Ministry of Health and Child Care, brought healthcare services closer to communities that often struggle to access professional medical care because of financial constraints.
Discovery Ambulance Services founder and chief executive officer Dr David Munowenyu, who was guest of honour at the event, said the outreach was aimed at giving people an opportunity to have their health checked while also equipping communities with basic lifesaving skills.
“We are very happy by the attendance. We consulted just over 1 000 people for free and we were also able to give them free medication. About 100 community members trained for basic first aid which is going to help save lives in the community moving forward. Four young people will get sponsorship to train as paramedics. It is our mission to follow through His Excellency the President, Cde Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa’s vision of leaving no place behind,” he said.
The initiative also saw about 100 community members receiving basic first-aid training, while four young people are set to receive sponsorship to train as paramedics.
Brigadier-General Dr Million Ndhlovu of Gatsheniville, a former pupil at St Paul’s Secondary School, said the sporting extravaganza was designed to inspire young people to overcome their circumstances and pursue their dreams.
“We are grateful for this momentous occasion. Some people are seeing doctors for the first time in their lives because of Discovery Ambulance Services,” he said.
The event also brought together at least eight neighbouring schools, which competed for honours in football and netball.
St Paul’s Amandhethu emerged victorious in football after edging Mabhikwa High School in a tightly contested final.
The initiative combined sport, healthcare and skills development, with organisers saying it was intended to leave a lasting impact beyond the sporting competitions.
