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Writes Wellington Zimbowa
The Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital is an epitome of pan Africanism and ubuntu worth being emulated across the whole African continent, Zanu PF war veterans secretary Douglas Mahiya has said.
Owned by businessman and philanthropist Jimayi Muduvuri, the 1540-bed hospital was officially opened by President Emmerson Mnangagwa this April, initially giving free medical care to war veterans and war collaborators as well as people with disabilities.
Free medical care has since been extended to needy patients with officials saying at least 300 patients are being attended daily.
”This is a very great initiative (the Muduvuri Pan African Referral Hospital) which is serving a very good service, especially for our war vets.
”These fallen and living heroes and comrades sacrificed a lot for this country to attain independence so that we enjoy the freedom we have today but they risk being ignored and left to suffer.
”This spirit behind such an initiative should be welcomed and our brothers and sisters in Africa should replicate this,” said the war veterans boss.
He added that the initiative is in sync with the government’s efforts to expand social services to the citizens, particularly liberation war heroes.
Mahiya noted that the country has between 60 000 to 70 000 war veterans and war collaborators who helped dismantle minority rule in 1980. He added that there was a need for other business people to copy Muduvuri’s gesture and have such hospitals in all the ten provinces since Muduvuri Pan African Hospital can not meet the demand.
”A number of war veterans got chronic medical conditions as a result of war as the enemy adopted biological warfare at times while others had serious injuries hence proper continuous medical attention remains necessary for war veterans and war collaborators, across the country.”
At the height of the country’s economic meltdown, the public health sector was severely affected. Private medical consultations are largely expensive for the majority ranging between US$10 and US$20.
”Cde Muduvuri and his team have taken an initiative that should be emulated by all patriotic and progressive Zimbabweans,” President Mnangagwa is quoted saying at the hospital’s official opening.
Open 24 hours daily, the hospital also receives patients from across provinces for treatment.
While it is still to be fully finished, the hospital offers specialised services and is reportedly set to receive advanced cancer treatment equipment this August