Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in Masvingo
For multitudes of patients who have lived with untreated health problems, the ongoing medical outreach at Nemanwa Grounds in Masvingo, spearheaded by Health and Child Care Ambassador, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, is bringing relief through specialist care, diagnosis and free treatment.
Patients are being examined by doctors and specialists from the United States of America, working alongside local health personnel to provide a range of medical services.
Those diagnosed with conditions requiring medication are receiving their prescribed medicines free of charge.
Patients first undergo vital checks, including temperature, blood pressure, respiratory rate and pulse, before being referred for further medical attention where necessary.
From eye examinations and cancer screening to dental care, mental health services and HIV testing, the week-long programme is bringing a wide range of services closer to communities across the province.
Other services include prostate and breast cancer screening.
Those requiring specialist attention are assessed by medical teams, with beneficiaries receiving medical ad-vice, treatment and prescribed medicines where necessary.
A pharmacy established at the outreach centre is dispensing medicines free of charge, while medical accesso-ries such as wheelchairs, walking aids and prescription glasses are also being provided to patients who require them.
This is ensuring beneficiaries receive continued support beyond the initial consultation.
The outreach, which started on Thursday, is being conducted by Dr Mnangagwa’s Angel of Hope Foundation in partnership with Zimbabwe Care from the United States of America.
To further support the programme, Dr Mnangagwa sourced consignments of medical supplies and equipment to complement the ongoing outreach.
The supplies are helping medical teams attend to beneficiaries, while ensuring essential medicines and equipment remain available throughout the programme.
As Health and Child Care Ambassador, Dr Mnangagwa continues to support efforts to take healthcare services closer to communities across the country.
For many beneficiaries, the programme is providing an opportunity to have health concerns that had gone un-attended assessed by specialists and treated.
Dr Mnangagwa yesterday took part in the outreach programme, moving around the different service points and interacting with patients and medical teams.
The First Lady also visited her state-of-the-art mobile hospital and clinic, where women are receiving free cer-vical cancer screening services.
The programme is benefiting people from all districts in Masvingo, allowing communities to access specialised medical services closer to home.
Among the many beneficiaries attended to for different health conditions, one patient was referred for a CT scan to assess a giant keloid, a large, raised scar caused by excess growth of scar tissue.
Upon arrival at the fully packed Nemanwa Grounds, Dr Mnangagwa was warmly welcomed by beneficiaries, who erupted into joy and expressed their appreciation for the outreach programme and the opportunity to ac-cess essential health services within their communities.
In her interactive address, the First Lady encouraged them to make full use of the programme and speak open-ly about their health concerns, enabling medical teams to provide appropriate advice, treatment and support.
Dr Mnangagwa also expressed gratitude to her partners for standing with her in the initiative and helping to bring specialised healthcare services closer to communities that need them.
Zimbabwe Care president, Mr Eric Rose, said the partnership with Dr Mnangagwa and her Angel of Hope Foundation had improved access to healthcare since it began seven years ago, with this year’s outreach attracting 40 healthcare providers from the United States.
He said the partnership had enabled medical teams to bring specialised healthcare services, equipment and essential supplies closer to communities that might otherwise struggle to access them.
“What we see is simply the number of lives we are able to touch through our partnership with Angel of Hope Foundation and its Patron the First Lady Dr Mnangagwa,” he said.
“Our partnership with Angel of Hope Foundation over the years has enabled us to grow and bring more and more healthcare providers to Zimbabwe.”
Mr Rose said the organisation had progressively expanded its services over the years, particularly after part-nering with the Angel of Hope Foundation around 2018.
“Year after year, we have grown and expanded our services,” he said.
Mr Rose said the scale of the outreaches had grown significantly, with earlier programmes serving about 100 to 200 people per clinic day.
He said a similar outreach held in Kotwa two years ago treated about 7 000 patients through various services, including prostate screening, mammography, eye consultations and physician services.
For Sekuru John Matema, the medical outreach brought answers to an eye problem he had lived with for some time without knowing its cause.
After undergoing an eye examination, Sekuru Matema was advised on the steps he needed to take to address the problem.
“I had been struggling with my eyesight without knowing what was wrong. I came to have my eyes examined and was assisted.
I was also advised on what I should do within a short period,” he said.
Sekuru Matema said the outreach was also benefiting other people in his community who were experiencing similar challenges.
“There are many people in our communities who are struggling, and they have been greatly assisted. We thank our dear First Lady for such a wonderful programme,” he said.
For Gogo Diana Machokoto, the experience brought a sense of relief and gratitude after receiving medical attention.
“I am happy because I have been assisted. I am celebrating today because we have Amai Zimbabwe. Through God’s grace and the efforts of the Mnangagwa family, we can all receive treatment together,” she said.
Ms Olivia Makopa was equally delighted after receiving assistance for an eye problem that caused her dis-comfort when exposed to light.
“I am extremely happy because I have been assisted. I was given medication and everything was provided,” she said.
Ms Tinonetsana Chisakaitwa left the outreach with a new pair of spectacles after undergoing a comprehensive eye examination.
“I am extremely happy. I came to have my eyes examined and was given glasses after a full examination,” she said.
For Ms Tariro Zinyemba, the outreach was also an opportunity to encourage people to take charge of their health by knowing their HIV status.
“You should go for HIV testing, so that you always know your status. It is encouraging that we came here and received these services. We should encourage others to come as well,” she said.
Ms Chipo Magoto said the programme had helped her gain a clearer understanding of her health.
“The programme is good. I now know my health status because I was tested and understand what is happening with me,” she said.
The First Lady’s medical outreaches bring together specialists, equipment, diagnosis, treatment and essential medicines, giving communities access to a more complete package of healthcare closer to home.
