Online Reporter
Patrick Chitumba, [email protected]
THE Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme is rapidly gaining momentum, with the Gokwe North District community being the latest to reap its benefits after receiving free basic first aid training.
The innovative initiative delivers healthcare services right to the residents’ doorsteps, making it easily accessible. Hundreds of people over the weekend also received free medical check-ups for blood pressure and sugar diabetes during the training programme.
Discovery Ambulance Services is spearheading the Presidential Emergency Scheme, aligning with the Second Republic’s National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030.
The programme, which has been oversubscribed in the district, has seen local youths equipped with critical skills to manage emergencies.
Discovery Ambulance Services Corporate Legal Secretary, Dr Takudzwa Zvobgo, said not only does the programme address immediate healthcare needs but also empowers the younger generation with essential life-saving abilities, enhancing the community’s overall resilience.
“Our visionary President (Mnangagwa) has made it very clear that this country can only be built by its own people. We are Zimbabweans and as such we have a role to play in developing our own nation,” he said. “This is our small way of contributing to that development,” he said.
TelOne’s corporate services director, Mr Crispen Dimba, said the scheme addresses immediate health needs and also contributes to the long-term goals of national development and societal empowerment.
“The President’s mantra of leaving no one and no place behind requires us to reach out to all corners of the country.
“Our thrust is to make sure that we are seen to be playing our part in every part of the country, our mandate requires us to go where there is need,” said Mr Dimba.
Gokwe-Kabuyuni legislator, Cde Spencer Tshuma, expressed appreciation for the efforts of development partners, stating that their contributions will significantly aid in achieving Vision 2030.
He said the Second Republic is working on improving the lives of marginalised communities, aligning with its vision to achieve an upper-middle-income society by 2030.
“What we are witnessing here is a clear testimony that Vision 2030 is indeed achievable,” said Cde Tshuma.
“We have seen people’s health being taken care of. For us to achieve Vision 2030, we need a healthy nation so that we are together to achieve it.”
He said people were also given food to cushion them until the harvesting period.
“We know that last season was bad, now as a district, we have been given 40 boreholes to be drilled at various centres.
“We are just waiting for the rains to subside and the works will begin. We have since identified the sites and we are good to go,” said the legislator.
Ms Mildred Njelele said she was happy to have attended the programme, which offered her some life skills.
“I now know what to do when I see people who have been involved in a car accident, to keep them alive until they get help. I want to thank our President for bringing these doctors to this side,” she said.
“I have a chronic disease and this programme has ensured that I get the necessary checkup and the pills for BP. This programme should just continue as it saves lives.”
Another beneficiary, Mr Nicholas Shumba commended the Government for bringing the programme to his area.
“I want to thank my President and the local legislator, my epileptic son received a wheelchair. It shows that those with disabilities are also remembered,” he said.
