George Maponga, Masvingo Bureau
Thousands of people, mainly from vulnerable backgrounds, benefitted from free treatment after a week-long medical outreach programme courtesy of the First Lady, Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, in Masvingo Province.
The free medical outreach, spearheaded by Dr Mnangagwa through her Angel of Hope Foundation in partnership with Zimbabwe Care from the United States, saw people of all ages from all seven administrative districts in Masvingo receiving free medical treatment at Nemamwa Grounds.
Patients were 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 received their prescribed medicines free of charge.
Patients first underwent 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 brought a wide range of services closer to communities across the province.
Other services included prostate and breast cancer screening.
Those requiring specialist attention were assessed by medical teams, with beneficiaries receiving medical advice, treatment and prescribed medicines where necessary.
A pharmacy established at the outreach centre dispensed medicines free of charge, while medical accessories such as wheelchairs, walking aids and prescription glasses were also provided to patients who required them.
This ensured that beneficiaries received continued support beyond the initial consultation.
Dr Mnangagwa personally visited Nemamwa Grounds during the outreach, where she witnessed the free medical services in motion.
When the curtain came down on the programme on Monday, tributes flew from all directions for the Mother of the Nation after she once again showed that she has a golden heart and cares deeply for the disadvantaged and vulnerable.
Speaking at the end of the outreach, Masvingo Provincial Medical Director Dr Amadeous Shamu paid tribute to the First Lady for the direct impact her outreach programme had on people’s lives.
Dr Shamu said the free medical outreach benefitted many people and would reduce pressure on the province’s health facilities.
“Thousands of people were attended to over the duration of the free medical outreach programme and we want to thank the First Lady for this gesture because many people, especially from poor backgrounds, were assisted,” he said.
“Both those suffering from communicable and non-communicable diseases were attended to and also received medication for free, and we want to express profound gratitude to the Mother of the Nation.”
Dr Shamu said the majority of the patients who were assisted under the medical outreach fell under the outpatient department category.
Mr Farai Chikwanha, from Mwenezi, said receiving both medical attention and medicines at no cost had eased the financial burden on his family.
“What made the programme special was that I did not have to travel far or spend money on transport and consultation fees. Having doctors and medicines brought closer to our communities has helped many families,” he said.
Mrs Abigail Chikosi, from Chiredzi, said the outreach had allowed her to undergo breast cancer screening, a service she had previously struggled to access.
“I had never been screened before because I could not afford it. Here I was screened for free and received advice from the health workers,” she said.
Mr Patrick Mupako said bringing specialist eye care closer to communities had saved him the cost of travelling to Masvingo City.
“I came with a problem with my eyes and was able to see a specialist without travelling to Masvingo City. I was examined and given prescription glasses,” he said.
Minister of State for Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Ezra Chadzamira also heaped glowing praise on the First Lady for her concern for all Zimbabweans.
“People from all the seven districts in Masvingo came here for six days to receive free medical treatment and for that we want to thank the First Lady, Dr Mnangagwa, for continuing to show us the true import of a mother’s love because not only were people who came here given food for free, but they also got free medication,” he said.
“The First Lady continues to lead by example and show us that she is a mother to every Zimbabwean, no matter where one is.”
Minister Chadzamira said, besides relieving pressure on health facilities in Masvingo, the outreach was also in sync with President Mnangagwa’s “leaving no one and no place behind” philosophy.
“The script of what the First Lady is doing was plucked from President Mnangagwa’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind as Zimbabwe marches towards becoming an upper middle-income economy. We are very grateful to Dr Mnangagwa for the positive impact her activities are having on the lives of ordinary people.”
The Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister hailed the First Lady for also attracting foreign health professionals to come and assist ordinary people in Zimbabwe.
The Minister said Dr Mnangagwa continued to redefine the boundaries of philanthropy.
“The First Lady should also be applauded for managing to bring medical professionals from countries such as the US to come and treat our people for free.
“These are fruits of the Second Republic’s engagement and re-engagement drive.”
Masvingo Central National Assembly representative Eddison Zvobgo (Jnr) also echoed the same sentiments, praising Dr Mnangagwa for going down to where the majority of Zimbabweans live and making sure their needs were attended to.
The Masvingo Central legislator noted that what Dr Mnangagwa was doing added impetus to Zimbabwe’s march to becoming an upper middle-income economy.
Mr Samson Nemamwa from the Nemamwa area said the First Lady’s programme could not have come at a better time.
“We cannot afford transport to travel to places like Masvingo City for specialist medical attention and the First Lady just answered our prayers. I never dreamt of this day because I had been accustomed to living with chronic pain in one of my legs, but I was successfully treated,” he said.
