ACCESS to healthcare has taken a significant leap forward in Musingarabwi, Mapanzure area of Masvingo West, with the official commissioning of a clinic built under the devolution programme.
For decades, villagers in this rural community walked distances of between 8 and 10 kilometres to the nearest health facilities Mapanzure and Bondolfi clinics.
The distance posed serious challenges, particularly for pregnant women, young children and the elderly, leading to avoidable health complications and even loss of life.
Health and Child Care deputy minister Sleiman Kwidini underscored government’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to healthcare.
“President (Emmerson) Mnangagwa’s administration is building clinics and hospitals nationwide to guarantee healthcare access for all, especially rural communities.
"We will ensure that all new facilities are fully equipped to meet the needs of the people,” said Kwidini during the commissioning of the clinic on Wednesday last week.
Masvingo Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister, Ezra Chadzamira, echoed similar sentiments.
“In Masvingo province, 200 projects have been commissioned under devolution, from clinics and schools to bridges and capital equipment for local authorities. A further 80 projects are ongoing and we will continue to accelerate development,” he said.
- Global demand buoys tobacco prices
- Edutainment: For Tsungie, a picture tells a story
- Need for transparency on The fears of the Hlengwe-Xangani ethnic group commonly referred to as the Chilonga community are not unfounded issue
- Edutainment: For Tsungie, a picture tells a story
Keep Reading
Chenai Madamombe, a villager, recalled the hardships the community faced before the health facility was built.
“I grew up here, walking 8km to access healthcare. It was extremely difficult, especially for expectant mothers and children,” she said.
Another villager, Gibson Mazhange, highlighted the life-saving potential of the facility.
“We recorded high cases of maternal and prenatal mortality due to the absence of healthcare services nearby. This clinic is a game-changer. It will improve health-seeking behaviour and save countless lives,” he said.
The project, which began in 2015, stalled for years due to funding constraints.
