Harvest House International Church (HHI), in collaboration with Ultra Med Health Medical Aid, will on Saturday offer free medical services to Bulawayo residents.
This comes at a time when the health sector is facing a myriad of challenges with doctors on industrial action, something that has severely compromised health services delivery.
Access to basic health services remains beyond the reach of many poor citizens, whose incomes are getting fast eroded by the inflation with the deteriorating economic situation.
The HHI Saturday health expo is being organised by the church’ s Bulawayo City Hub Four, housed at the Astra Building in the Central Business District of the second-largest city.
Founded in 1995 and with branches across the globe, HHI is led by Bishop Colin Nyathi and Senior Reverend Sarah Nyathi, who are based in Bulawayo.
CITE caught up with Reverend Tafadzwanashe Nyoni, who explained the objective of the expo, which kicks-off at 09:00hrs and ends at 15:00hours at the branch’s premises situated at first floor of Astra Complex along Herbert Chitepo Street, between 8th and 9th avenues.
“The objective of the expo is three fold and based on sharing the love of God,” Reverend Nyoni, told CITE.
“We are two months in the doctor’s strike and basic healthcare is out of reach for many. We want to bring health awareness to church members, reach out to many on the love of God as the church responds to the needs of society and promote affordable healthcare insurance with private sector.”
Some of the services to be offered include a presentation on general health issues, health insurance in Zimbabwe, BP and Diabetes checks and HIV testing and counselling.
Residents will also consult the doctors on any issues free of charge, while there will be pastoral counselling offered by the church’s pastors.
Those who have suffered drug and substance abuse will also be given advice.
The theme scripture for the occasion is 1 John 3:16 which reads: “Hereby perceive we the love of God, because he laid down his life for us: and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.”
Reverend Nyoni said: “We are looking at plus or minus 250 people coming through.
The figure may exceed this as we widely advertised the event.”
He added the services would be open to both members and non-members of HHI, urging residents to come earlier as they would be attended on a first-come first-serve basis.
