Sinokubonga Nkala
Patrick Chitumba, patrick.chitumba@chronicle.co.zw
MIDLANDS Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister, Owen Ncube, yesterday commissioned 15 utility vehicles worth over US$300 000 donated by the Global Fund as part of efforts to enhance healthcare services in the province.
The fleet, comprising 10 Toyota Land Cruisers and five Toyota Hilux vehicles, will be distributed across the province’s eight administrative districts to support HIV, Malaria and TB control efforts.
This move aligns with the Government’s Health for All by 2025 policy, which prioritises equitable access to healthcare services across the country.
The Second Republic has emphasised the importance of leaving no one and no place behind. The new vehicles will complement existing ambulances and service vehicles, and strengthen the province’s healthcare infrastructure.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Minister Ncube said people in the province are expected to benefit from improved healthcare delivery. He said the vehicles are set to enhance disease surveillance, treatment and prevention initiatives.
“It is with immense pleasure that I once again stand before you today on the occasion of the commissioning of 15 Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Midlands provincial fleet acquired by the Second Republic for US$305 000 through support from the Global Fund,” he said.
“Accordingly, the 15 utility vehicles which include 10 Toyota Land Cruisers, and five Toyota Hilux are going to complement the other service vehicles and ambulances that I commissioned earlier this year, and will be distributed to cover the Midlands Province’s eight administrative districts for HIV, Malaria and TB control in line with the New Dispensation’s development mantra of leaving no one and no place behind.”
Minister Ncube said the vehicles will significantly improve the provision of health services through ease of ordering and transportation of drugs, primary healthcare, and optimal use of medicines through timeous transportation which ultimately reduces cases of expired drugs.
He said the vehicles will help in facilitating efficient monitoring of drug supply, usage, and general health services by environmental health technicians, and enhance contact tracing of patients under treatment of diseases such as TB, Malaria, and HIV/Aids among others.
“I applaud the Second Republic under the results-oriented and people-centric leadership of President Mnangagwa for implementing the devolution and decentralisation agenda which empowers communities and their local leadership to harness heritage-based human and natural resources endowments and allows for local decision-making guided by the mantra Nyika inovakwa igotongwa igonamatirwa nevene vayo,” said Minister Ncube.
He lauded the Government for decentralising healthcare services, which has helped accelerate the provision of accessible, quality, and affordable medical services to communities.
“To this end, I commend the provincial medical director for ensuring equitable health services targeting marginalised communities as our clinics now receive regular visits by doctors, opening up to medical outreach programs by companies, churches, and development partners, adhering to decentralised recruitment of student nurses and promoting the New Dispensation’s whole of Government, economy and society approach in the provision of health infrastructure and equipment,” said Minister Ncube.
He said the province is a proud beneficiary of the collaborative development trajectory through the implementation of flagship projects that include the construction of Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa Clinic in Gokwe North by MACSHERP Holdings, rehabilitation of the Gweru Provincial Hospital high dependency care unit by Unki Mines and the rehabilitation of Gweru Infectious Disease Hospital by Mimosa Mines among others.
“I applaud the mother of the nation, our Health, Tourism and Wildlife Ambassador, the First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa for leading the health delivery crusade as she complements the sterling efforts by the Second Republic to transform the livelihoods of vulnerable communities,” said Minister Ncube.
He said through the Angel of Hope Foundation, the Midlands Province is a proud beneficiary of the First Lady’s free cancer and other non-communicable diseases screening and treatment, E-Health, construction of waiting mothers’ shelters, and provision of baby wear and food hampers for expecting mothers in hospitals and prisons.
“The First Lady’s generosity has indeed shaped, inspired, and redefined the world of philanthropy by turning it from a pastime activity into a way of life characterised by love, hard work, dedication, inclusivity, passion and compassion,” said Minister Ncube.
mbulelo smpofu
