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Mukudzei Chingwere Herald Reporter
Private players have a key role to play in revamping the country’s health services sector, Defence Minister Oppah Muchinguri-Kashiri has said.
She was speaking at the 25th anniversary of the Well Woman Clinic in Harare last night.
When the clinic opened its doors 25 years ago, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri officially opened the Well Woman Clinic in Belgravia, and yesterday she officiated at the celebration of womanhood.
“I have journeyed with this clinic since its inception, in the most intimate way, and I have seen and felt the immense benefits that accrue when one gets peace of mind knowing that there is a sanctuary dedicated for women’s health and well-being,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“I commend the efforts by Well Woman Clinic which are in sync with the initiatives by the Second Republic under the astute leadership of His Excellency the President Dr ED Mnangagwa whose thrust is rebuilding, modernising and rejuvenating our health services, leaving no individual and no community behind.
“The health of our women and girls is of particular concern due to the multiplicity of issues to consider from reproductive, prenatal care, breast, cervical cancers, menopause and other complexities.”
Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri applauded the organisation for its model, which has benefitted thousands of women.
“Even our counterparts were inspired and this has seen the appearance of a few male wellness centres, determined to also create their safe havens,” she said.
The concept of luxury well-being, said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri, is an elusive reality to women due to their numerous responsibilities.
The caring and socialising nature of women demands that they put themselves second to others in families and communities with a keenness to ensure that everyone else’s needs are met before they can look to themselves.
“As such, being a part of and celebrating an endeavour that reminds women of their most important need, that of taking care of themselves, is an accomplishment for all of us here today,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.
“Despite our advances in the world of business and enterprise, our roles have not diminished but rather have become more important than it was 25 years ago.
“It is, however, of great concern to note that women are not always the most enthusiastic supporters of each other and sometimes finding it easier to victim shame their fellow women when they find themselves living with failed marriages and relationships, domestic violence, rape cases, job loss, drug and alcohol abuse, just to mention a few.
“I challenge women to be supportive of each other in difficult times. Individually we have come a long way but much still needs to be done to spread the reach as we celebrate 25 years of an institution that was not intimidated by stepping into uncharted waters and continues to reach out to spread the gospel of women’s well-being.”
Well Woman Clinic director, Dr Nancy Jonker, said the aim of the clinic is to provide medical services to well women.
“It’s all about preventative health, screening for breast cancers, cervical cancer, heart disease. So it’s aimed at keeping women well,” said Dr Jonker.
“The whole idea is to preserve the health of women, because if the woman is healthy they will keep their families and everyone healthy.
“So, the nation is stronger when women are healthy and well.”
Online Reporter