Online Reporter
Rumbidzayi Zinyuke
Senior Health Reporter
THE medical fraternity is mourning the death of renowned obstetrician and gynaecologist Dr Booker Kambarami, who passed away on August 15 aged 76.
Dr Kambarami was one of the pioneers who helped establish specialist obstetrics and gynaecology practice in Zimbabwe and dedicated more than five decades to medicine and the care of women and their families.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care described his death as a great loss to his family, the medical fraternity and the country’s health sector.
Born in Murewa on July 5, 1950, Dr Kambarami trained in medicine at the University of Rhodesia before obtaining his medical degree from the University of Birmingham in 1976.
He completed his residency at Harare Central Hospital before gaining further experience at West Middlesex Hospital in the United Kingdom and undertaking specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology through the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
He returned to Zimbabwe in 1984 and went on to serve with distinction in both the public and private health sectors.
Dr Kambarami was also a founding member of Belvedere Maternity Hospital, where he played a significant role in expanding maternity and women’s health services.
Affectionately known as “Mr Perfect”, he was renowned for his clinical excellence, professionalism and meticulous attention to detail, while his commitment to patients earned him respect across the medical fraternity.
Beyond his work as a clinician, Dr Kambarami was a dedicated teacher and mentor who trained and inspired generations of healthcare professionals.
The ministry said his particular interest and expertise in diabetes in pregnancy made a significant contribution to clinical practice and the management of complex obstetric conditions.
His contribution to the profession was recognised in 2016 when the Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists honoured him for his long and distinguished service to obstetrics and gynaecology in Zimbabwe.
The ministry said Dr Kambarami’s legacy would live on through the patients he treated, families he cared for and healthcare professionals he trained.
“Zimbabwe has lost a distinguished son and a true giant of the medical profession,” the Ministry said.
It extended its condolences to his wife, Professor Rose Agatha Kambarami, his children Washington, Donald, Mutsa and Anesu, his grandchildren and great-grandchild, as well as the wider Kambarami family.
Dr Kambarami’s death comes as Zimbabwe continues to build its specialist medical workforce, with experienced specialists playing a crucial role in transferring skills and knowledge to younger generations of healthcare professionals.
His more than five decades in medicine spanned significant developments in the country’s health system and the advancement of specialist maternal and women’s healthcare.
He will be remembered not only for his contribution to obstetrics and gynaecology, but also for his commitment to teaching, mentorship and the highest standards of patient care.
