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Sukulwenkosi Dube-Matutu, Chronicle Reporter
VILLAGERS in Ward 17 in Gwanda have appealed for the construction of a clinic in their area as they are relying on Manama Mission Hospital which most villagers cannot afford.
Some villagers have now turned to Sengezane Clinic which is in a neighbouring ward but some have to board lifts in to get to it.
The ward has six villages with villagers at the furthest end having to walk at least 20 kilometres to reach the nearest health facility.
A villager from Humbane area in the Ward, Mr Sipho Nare said they had to board lifts and pay R30 to get to Sengezane Clinic which is about 15 kilometres away.
“The only health facility in our ward is Manama Mission Hospital which is a private hospital. It’s difficult for us to go there as the charges are too high compared to public health facilities, plus we can access some medication and services free of charge from public health facilities,” he said.
“In my case I stay in Humbane Village which is right at the business centre and the other option we have is to go to Sengezane Clinic. To get there we have to pay R30. Some people use scotch carts to get there. If we could get a clinic at the business centre it could greatly help all villages in the ward.”
Mrs Florence Moyo from Mnyabezi D Village also in Ward 17 said their village was the furthest from Manama Mission Hospital about 20 kilometres away. She said it was difficult to travel such a long distance with a critically ill person or during emergencies.
Mrs Moyo said having a clinic at the ward centre would greatly ease the challenges they are facing in accessing health services.
A village head from the ward, Mr Taba Nyathi, said access to health care was a basic right for people and the community did not have to struggle in order to access health services.
“Our ward has been left out of development for a long time when it comes to access to health care services. Initially when we made a follow-up, we were informed that we were supposed to be serviced by Manama Mission Hospital but this isn’t a
Government facility hence a gap still remains. We appeal to relevant authorities to see to it that this gap is covered as soon as possible,” he said.
Ward 17 Councillor, Mr Ephraim Nyathi said they had made a resolution as a ward to submit their request for a clinic to the local authority. He said he was set to pass a motion on the matter at the next full council meeting. He said while the ward had Manama Mission Hospital it did not cater for all groups of the targeted population. – @DubeMatutu
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