Medical outreach empowers 45 000 with first aid skills

Conrad Mupesa

Mash West Bureau

Over 45 000 people, including women and youths from rural communities across Zimbabwe, have gained essential First Aid skills through a nationwide outreach programme under the Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme.

The initiative, implemented in partnership with Discovery Ambulance Services, also provides free medical check-ups to under-served populations, bridging the gap in healthcare access.

Discovery Ambulance Services Operations Director, Mr Taylor Mvududu, revealed that tens of thousands of people have been trained in life-saving skills under the programme, which has also delivered medical services to hundreds of thousands more.

Speaking at the Nyimo Business Centre during the Sanyati outreach programme, Mvududu expressed gratitude to President Mnangagwa for supporting the initiative.

“We are thankful to the President for accepting our proposal to provide free First Aid training and medical services, particularly in rural areas. So far, we have trained over 45 000 people and conducted free medical check-ups in provinces like Manicaland, Mashonaland Central, Mashonaland East, Masvingo, and Matabeleland,” he said.

The programme also targets remote areas where communities struggle to access primary healthcare, often walking long distances to reach medical facilities.

Mvududu said the initiative aligns with President Mnangagwa’s call for collective efforts in nation-building.

“A healthy population is critical to achieving Vision 2030, and this is our contribution to that goal,” he added.

Sanyati legislator and Deputy Minister of Mines and Mining Development, Dr Polite Kambamura, praised the programme for improving healthcare accessibility in his constituency.

He highlighted Government’s commitment to ensuring that no citizen travels more than five kilometres to reach a health facility.

“We are working with the Sanyati Rural District Council to upgrade healthcare infrastructure. Through Constituency Development Funds, we are constructing three new clinics to address the shortage of medical facilities in the area,” Dr Kambamura said.

Local leaders and beneficiaries also lauded the initiative.

Chief Neuso, who participated in the medical screenings, urged for more frequent outreach programmes.

“These initiatives are a lifeline for us. We have few clinics, and such programmes make a huge difference. We hope the President and our MP will ensure they continue,” he said.

Community members like Mr Sibion Ndawana described the programme as a vital link between urban healthcare services and remote rural areas.

“We applaud the President, our MP, and Discovery Ambulance Services for empowering us with these skills and services,” he said.

The Second Republic, under President Mnangagwa, continues to prioritise access to basic social amenities, utilising Devolution Funds and Constituency Development Funds to address healthcare challenges.