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Flora Fadzai Sibanda, Chronicle Reporter
MORE than 200 residents received free medical services offered by Heath Ambassadors for Economic Development in Pelandaba suburb on Saturday .
The weekly outreach programme started in January 2023. It started in Emganwini suburb then Pelandaba, next week it will be in Cowdray Park suburb.
Doctors, nurses, paramedics and counsellors offered various services during the outreach.
Beneficiaries pleaded with the health ambassadors to offer such services regularly saying many of them could not afford to pay for health services or buy medicines.
Mrs Elizabeth Ncube (70) from Iminyela suburb said she could not believe it when her grandchildren told her that health officials who included doctors were providing free services.
She said she was given all her diabetes and high blood pressure medication.
“l am really happy l got free medicine because these days medicine s are very expensive,” she said.
Mr Eddington Mpofu urged the doctors and nurses to provide the services regularly as the programme was benefiting vulnerable members of society such as the elderly and those from poor families who could not pay for such services.
“The pills they gave me are going to last me three months and l believe this is the case for everyone else. We hope they will come back after three months,” said Mr Mpofu.
Health Ambassadors 4ED acting Bulawayo chairperson Pamela Ndlovu said more than about 20 health workers were involved in the programme meant to assist residents.
She said they were moving to other suburbs in the next few weeks until all suburbs are covered.
National vice President for Health Ambassador for ED Mr Ganizani Phiri said they were getting medication and resources from well wishers and support from the ruling party and government.
He said apart from offering free services, some health workers were also sourcing medicines from donors.
“We are really happy that were managed to attend to all the people who came for the services.
Next week we might be in Cowdray Park suburb and residents will be informed before the date,” said Mr Phiri.
Cde Livingstone Chikuni, Zanu-PF’s provincial secretary for health said he fully supported the programme hence he donated some medicines.
“We are heeding the President’s call of leaving no one and no place behind when it comes to providing services,” he said. — @flora_sibanda.
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