Devolution funds: Clinic brings healthcare closer
THE state-of-the-art Chirere Clinic in Zvishavane District has eased life for thousands of villagers who were forced to travel long distances to access healthcare services.
Funded through Government devolution funds, with backing from others, and built under Runde Rural District Council, Chirere Clinic has transformed health service delivery in the district, bearing testimony to the Second Republic’s commitment to improving access to quality primary healthcare services in rural areas in line with the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS 1).
Devolution funds have transformed the health sector with new clinics being built in several districts across the country as the Second Republic steps up the inclusive development philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind.
When choosing the capital development to use their devolution funds for, many rural district councils have followed the wishes of their communities and have been filling the gaps in the clinic network.
The programme has helped local authorities across the country to improve access to health services, particularly in rural areas, where the majority of citizens walked long distances to reach clinics.
The facility, whose construction started in June 2016, will provide healthcare services to villagers in Wards 14 and 19, who previously were forced to travel long distances to Chenhunguru and Madzivadonho clinics in neighbouring Chivi District in Masvingo province.
The new clinic was commissioned by the Midlands Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Owen Ncube.
The Zvishavane Community Trust supported the project with the construction of two ablution blocks with Runde District Council using devolution funds to complete the structure and drill a borehole, including finishing plumbing works.
A rural clinic is more than just a clinic building. It needs a solar-powered borehole.
The imposing health facility comprising two wards for males and females, a labour ward, a post-natal ward, a vaccination room, a consultation room and a pharmacy, has helped reduce the distances travelled by the locals to seek health services.
The immaculate facility has inside walls pannelled with fitted cupboards. A solar-powered borehole supplies the clinic with water. The dispensary is also stocked with drugs and other consumables.
In interviews, villagers said the clinic has come as a huge relief for them.
“We want to thank President Mnangagwa and his Government for addressing our challenges here in the rural areas. Before the construction of this facility, we would walk for more than 18km to access health care services in Chenhunguru and Madzivadondo in Chivi District,” said Ms Privilege Shoko, a villager.
“As expecting mothers, there is no need for us to go to Zvishavane for maternity services since we now have a maternal wing at our doorstep, which is a positive development for us. In the past, we had to travel to other areas to access health care services.”
Chief Masunda said the new clinic has brought renewed hope to the local community.
“The availability of this clinic has come with huge benefits and among them is the easy access to health care services. This will certainly improve the well-being of our people and we thank the Government for this initiative,” he said.
Minister Ncube said the Government was determined to modernise the healthcare system and other sectors of the economy.
“The commissioning of Chirere Clinic is in line with the Second Republic’s philosophy of leaving no one and no place behind in its development agenda. Government is committed to changing lives, especially in rural areas through the construction of health care services,” he said.
“We no longer want people to walk more than 5km to access the nearest health centres, hence the construction of this clinic.”
Minister Ncube said more projects were on the cards as the Government continued to walk the talk in its development agenda.
“The facility is one of the many healthcare projects being spearheaded by the Second Republic countrywide to ensure access to universal health coverage. The modernisation of health delivery is a top priority under the Second Republic supported by Public Private Partnership,” he said.
Minister Ncube commended Steelmakers in Redcliff for providing free oxygen to hospitals and clinics in the Midlands province.
He said the Ministry of Health and Child Care bought eight cars for all districts in the province and the vehicles were commissioned recently.
The private sector is also assisting with critical equipment for operating theatres and related specialist services.