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Dr Parirenyatwa

Nyore Madzianike Manicaland Bureau
THE Ministry of Health and Child Care is targeting to construct and equip more than 6 600 health facilities countrywide. Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the health facilities would not be built in rural areas only, but also in towns to improve access to primary health care. Dr Parirenyatwa said this during the official opening of the first health access point in Bende, Nyanga, on Thursday last week. The Bende health access point was constructed through the Nyanga is Supa Foundation in collaboration with TelOne. Nyanga South Member of Parliament Cde Supa Mandiwanzira is the patron of Nyanga is Supa Foundation.

“This is the first health post in the country,” said Dr Parirenyatwa. “In the whole country, there was nowhere where there was a community or village health post. I would like to congratulate Cde Mandiwanzira, Dr Jokwiro, Dr Mafaune and community leaders for this remarkable effort. This will stand as an example to the rest of the nation.” He added: “The people who made the effort to have this facility made my dream come true to have access health post across the country.

“The dream started here and we will end up having 6 600 village posts across the country and it is our plan as the ministry.” Dr Parirenyatwa challenged the authorities to lure specialists to Mutare Provincial Hospital. He also urged people to continue work towards improving primary health care provision in the country.

“We are looking forward to Mutare Provincial Hospital to have specialists,” said Dr Parirenyatwa. “It will then help even people from here in Bende.
“I think if we continue helping each other in the health system there will be improvement.” Dr Parirenyatwa warned people of non-communicable diseases. He expressed concern over the increase of people suffering from mental illness.

“When we were with the President in Uruguay, we were talking of non-communicable diseases,” he said.
“I have noted that there is an increase in people who are suffering from mental illnesses. Maybe it is because of stress, economy or some other things, but mental illness cases have gone up. It is another form of non-communicable disease.” Speaking at the same event, Cde Mandiwanzira said there were plans to construct more health centres in Nyanga North and South.