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Columbus Mabika Herald Reporter

The Zimbabwe National Army (ZNA) remains committed to providing quality health care for its members and the nation at large, ZNA Chief of Staff (Administration Staff), Major General Emmanuel Matatu has said.

The commitment comes as the quest to revamp health systems and facilities to attract regional and continental visitors seeking medical attention is gathering pace following massive investments in the sector made by the Second Republic.

Maj Gen Matatu made the remarks yesterday at Army Headquarters in Harare after receiving a donation of two oxygen concentrator units to the ZNA by Golden Knot Group.

He said equipping and mordernising the health care delivery system was one of the key elements towards the achievement of the country’s Vision 2030, adding that the d equipment will go a long way in improving service delivery at ZNA hospitals.

“The two concentrators, will go a long way in ensuring improved healthcare delivery system in the ZNA hospitals. The donation has also come at a time when the nation and the ZNA are facing challenges related to the procurement of sufficient hospital equipment. The Covid-19 has brought more pressure on the already strained budgets,” he said.

“This important event is worth celebrating given that access to healthcare services is a basic human right enshrined in our constitution. As you may be aware, equipping and modernising the health care delivery system is one of the key elements towards the achievement of the country’’svision2030, as we remain committed to providing quality health care for our members and the nation at large.”

Maj Gen Matatu reminded citizens that the pandemic was not yet over, calling on continued adherence to Covid-19 guidelines.

“The third wave of the Covid-19 witnessed a surge in the number of admitted patients in our camp hospitals, and, due to resource constraints, we had to hire and borrow oxygen concentrators for our patients. The donation we are receiving today is, therefore, very welcome and timely, given that Covid-19 is still with us.”

He said going forward, the ZNA was looking forward to establishing greater private-public partneships for the good of the citizens.

“This event also marks a good example of co-operation between the private sector and the army. Going into the future, we wish to see greater private-public cooperation for the good of the general citizens. Let me reiterate that the mutual relationship that exists between the army and Golden Knot is greatly cherished.

“We wish Golden Knot the best in all its business endeavours and hope that the mutually beneficial relationship with the army will continue,” he said.

ZNA director health services, Colonel Wilson Katsande, welcomed the development saying it was a shot in the arm towards quality health provision in the organisation as the nation anticipates the fourth wave.

“Allow me to express our gratitude for the noble gesture of a donation in the form of oxygen concentrator units we have received today. The donation comes as the nation is anticipating a fourth wave of Covid-19 and will go a long way in managing serious cases with low oxygen saturation,” he said.

Golden Knot Group chief operating officer, Mrs Patience Chimuka said her organisation will continue to partner ZNA in various sectors that will foster development.