adminNqobile Tshili recently in Binga
THE Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) is undertaking cataract operations for free on at least 100 patients from Binga as part of the Defence Forces Community Week.
The director of health operations and policy in the ZDF Colonel Stanford Chigumire said they were targeting to assist over a 100 patients who had sight problems.
“We’re expecting to restore sight to about 100 patients but we have 124 patients that have registered for the exercise,” said Col Chigumira.
He said the Defence Forces Community Week was an annual event whereby the army gives back to the community through providing services.
“We want people to appreciate that the military is always ready to assist them hence during the Defence Forces Week we undertake a number of communmity projects in different areas,” he said.
Col Chigumira said cooperation between the ZDF, the Ministry of Health and Child Care and the private sector had been critical in ensuring the success of the programme.
“The total cost is much more but we’ve put it at $40,000 for both human resources and logistical support. The co-operation between us, Sight Savers, Help Age and the Ministry of Health and Child Care has assisted us a lot,” said Col Chigumira.
Apart from restoring sight, the ZDF was also assisting in the voluntary male circumcision programme in Binga.
The acting Binga district medical officer Nyashadzashe Chasauka commended the ZDF for choosing Binga to benefit from this year’s Defence Forces Week activities.
“We have been assisted a lot because we have been referring cataracts to United Bulawayo Hospitals,” said Col Chasauka.
He urged ZDF not to limit itself to its community week in assisting the needy saying they should do it more often.
One of the patients Stanley Sibanda expressed gratitude after receiving free treatment saying he had lost hope of ever seeing.
“I visited a private doctor who charged me $1,100 but I couldn’t undergo surgery as I did not have the money.
“I was supposed to go to UBH but still I didn’t have the required money. I want to thank the ZDF for free treatment.
Another eye patient, Normal Muleya who lost her sight three years ago, said she was happy that ZDF had restored her sight.
Online Reporter