Siphakeme .Mnindwa
Gibson Mhaka
HEALTHCARE delivery is a cornerstone of economic development, as outlined in the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and the Second Republic’s Vision 2030.
A robust healthcare system not only improves the health and well-being of citizens but also contributes to a productive workforce, reduced poverty, and overall economic growth.
In line with these national goals, the health sector in Zimbabwe seeks to accelerate the attainment of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and ensure universal health coverage for the population.
Increasing access to health services for all citizens is central to universal health coverage.
To achieve this goal, the private sector must complement Government efforts by rebuilding the healthcare sector and providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services.
Living up to the call for the private sector to complement government efforts in providing accessible, affordable, and quality healthcare services, Cimas Health Group, Zimbabwe’s largest private medical aid society and health service provider, is committed to improving healthcare in all its facets for the benefit of the people.
Cimas Health Group has expanded its reach by opening 14 primary healthcare clinics nationwide, strategically located in major urban areas to enhance access to quality healthcare closer to communities.
These clinics offer a range of essential healthcare services, including consultations, vaccinations, and basic medical treatments.
They also run several laboratories, ambulance services, radiology centres, hospitals, specialist services, mental health hospitals, dialysis clinics, pharmacies, and dental practices, among others.
Speaking to journalists from various private and public media houses in the Southern region on Friday last week after a tour of Cimas’ newly refurbished laboratory, dental unit, and clinic in Bulawayo, Cimas Health Group chief executive officer Vulindlela Ndlovu reaffirmed the group’s commitment to ensuring its members live longer, healthier lives while working to expand medical aid coverage across the country.
The tour by Cimas, to showcase medical projects to journalists at its facilities in Bulawayo, was in partnership with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (Zuj).
Ndlovu said while health should not be determined by one’s financial capacity, the public sector plays a critical role, but as a developing country, there is a need to acknowledge the limited resources available and instead of complaining about what isn’t working, the private sector must take practical steps forward.
“We are concerned about the cost of healthcare in Zimbabwe. We need to all put our heads together and see how we can improve access to healthcare. Health is not about whether I can afford it and I have got the money.
“Of course, we expect the public sector to look after us, but as a developing country, we do not have those resources. Let’s be practical, rather than moan all day and say these are not working, they are no medicines, and so on. We, as the private sector, are saying let’s also do something about health, and that is what Cimas is all about,” said Ndlovu.
He underscored the importance of making medical aid affordable and accessible.
He noted that currently, less than 10 percent, possibly even less than five percent of the population, is covered by medical aid. To address this, Ndlovu said Cimas was working tirelessly to increase coverage and empower individuals to take control of their health.
Ndlovu also emphasised the crucial role of the media in fostering transparency and accountability, underlining the importance of empowering journalists to document achievements and highlight shortcomings.
“We really appreciate the role that the media plays and look forward to strengthening that partnership to spread the message about access to good health care. That’s what we need you as partners for.
“But we also understand that the media faces all sorts of challenges, and we think, in a small way, we can contribute to that development. Making sure that the media plays its role in terms of holding us accountable, in terms of encouraging us where we are doing things right,” he said.
Cimas chief operating officer, Thando Kembo said Cimas has stood the test of time and now has six fully fledged labs and collection centres, bringing the total number of laboratories to 15.
Zuj secretary-general Perfect Hlongwane highlighted Cimas’ significant contribution to the media industry by sponsoring the annual National Journalism and Media Awards (Njama).
He said this partnership underscores Cimas’ commitment to supporting media professionals and promoting excellence in journalism.
“We are very pleased with the strong relationship we have forged with Cimas, and we anticipate even more exciting developments in our partnership. This collaboration is not only beneficial for our members but also for the broader media industry,” said Hlongwane.
