Online Reporter
Obey Musiwa recently in Chikomba West
CHIKOMBA West legislator Cde Tatenda Mavetera, who is also Information Communication Technology, Postal and Courier Services Minister, in partnership with TelOne and Discovery Ambulances Services, on Friday launched the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme in her constituency.
The programme provided free medical screening, first aid training and healthcare supplies to vulnerable communities.
The initiative is part of the Presidential Emergency Scheme that seeks to bridge the healthcare gap in rural areas by establishing clinics within a 3-5 kilometre radius and providing essential medical services.
Minister Mavetera said the programme was inclusive.
“Our Presidential Emergency Scheme is focused on establishing clinics within a 3-5 kilometre radius, ensuring that medical services are accessible to vulnerable communities,” she said.
“In collaboration with Discovery Ambulances and TelOne, we are providing free medical screenings and training locals in basic first aid skills.”
She said the core principle was inclusive, emphasising a commitment to empowering people with disabilities through sustainable projects.
“Our efforts include launching the People with Disabilities Sustainability Scheme and distributing wheelchairs to local hospitals. We believe that it is important that we empower people with life skills, seen by the Tanganyika skills which empowered more than 5,000 people.”
TelOne chief executive officer Engineer Lawrence Nkala said they had already distributed 10 wheelchairs to local hospitals under the outreach programme.
“As a community-focused company, TelOne is dedicated to enhancing access to healthcare services.
“We believe that every individual deserves quality medical care, and we will continue to support our communities through initiatives like this.”
The programme was supported by the Ministry of Health and Child Care, which provided three teams of nurses that attended to over 1 300 patients in Chivhu and Beatrice over two days.
Discovery Ambulances Services head of operations Taylor Mvududu said first aid was a key skill that each and every Zimbabwean needed to know.
“Everything we are doing is free, the screening and the medical is free with a free first aid training to ensure we certify all the participants,” said Mvududu.
“So we are proud to be associated with Minister Mavetera and TelOne, and we are responding to the President’s call to leave no one and no place behind.”
