By Tendai Chisiri
HARARE – Population Services Zimbabwe (PSZ) on Wednesday officially opened a new flagship medical clinic at Eastgate Mall, expanding access to affordable healthcare for workers, students and residents in Harare’s Central Business District.
The facility, PSZ’s seventh static clinic in Zimbabwe, was launched by Deputy Minister of Health and Child Care Hon. Sleiman Kwidini.
Minister Kwidini said the clinic was a step towards Universal Health Coverage and urged that information about it reach the public.
“Let this facility be known at Fourth Street Rank and to vendors around. Everyone should benefit from this new medical clinic,” he said.
The clinic was established with support from the Embassy of Sweden. Ambassador H.E. Per Lingarde said it reflected the value of development cooperation in strengthening national health systems.
“We are encouraged by Zimbabwe’s commitment through the National Development Strategy 2 and efforts to advance Universal Health Coverage,” Lingarde said.
He added that with Swedish government support, another modern clinic will open in Bulawayo CBD next month.
PSZ Country Director Mrs. Pester Siraha said the CBD location was deliberate to reduce barriers to care.
“This is more than the opening of a new medical facility. It reflects our commitment to bringing quality, affordable and accessible healthcare closer to where people live and work,” she said.
She noted that in response to donor funding constraints and the rising burden of non-communicable diseases like hypertension and diabetes, PSZ was expanding its network of clinics as part of a long-term sustainability plan.
Since 1987, PSZ has provided general healthcare, sexual and reproductive health services, family planning and clinical care across Zimbabwe.
Cancer survivor and former Studio 263 actress Tinotenda Katsande urged the media to publicize the clinic.
“Centres like this are so important. Early detection played a huge role in my healing from cervical cancer,” she said.
ZNFPC Chief Executive Mr. Farai Machinga commended the partnership model.
“This clinic represents what can be achieved when Government, development partners, civil society and the private sector come together around a shared national vision,” he said.
Junior President Tinashe Mugodi said the investment was in human capital.
“A generation empowered with knowledge, protected by quality healthcare and equipped with opportunity can transform the destiny of a country,” he said.
The Eastgate clinic will offer general consultations, screening, reproductive health services and wellness checks.
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