Dr Chikati Leads Free Medical Drive Benefiting Over 700 Patients in Harare South

Southlea Hospital’s Dr Eliot Chikati led a free medical drive in Harare South, treating over 700 patients

HARARE — At least 700 patients benefited from a free medical programme during a Health Expo spearheaded by Southlea Hospital in Harare South this weekend.

The hospital, which opened four years ago, has become a beacon of hope for people suffering from various ailments. The programme was held during a Health Expo featuring more than 15 exhibitors and partners. People from all walks of life flocked to the event to receive medical attention, where health staff were ready to tackle a wide range of conditions.

The medical team, composed of five specialist doctors and seven general practitioners, offered their expertise free of charge. Patients with broken bones, both infants and adults, were treated. Services provided included dental care, consultations, radiology, pharmacy, maternity services, laboratory tests, and theatre procedures. Common conditions addressed included hypertension, diabetes, acute upper respiratory tract infections, and various forms of arthritis.

When the Southerton Business Times crew arrived, the programme was a hive of activity, with hospital staff ensuring that every patient was attended to. Initially targeting 700 patients, the programme surpassed its goal before sunset. The event functioned as a one-stop shop, with all patients receiving free medicines from the pharmacy. Speaking to journalists, Southlea Hospital Managing Director, Dr Eliot Chikati, who is also an Orthopedic and Trauma Specialist, said the initiative was part of the hospital's corporate social responsibility and aligned with the country's national goals and aspirations.

Dr Chikati emphasized that the programme mirrored President Mnangagwa's mantra of “Leaving no one and no place behind”, which has enabled marginalized communities across Zimbabwe to benefit from government programmes. He added that since the inception of the Second Republic, the President has ensured that all citizens are included in developmental initiatives.

Dr Chikati said, quoting the President, “Nyika inovakwa nevene vayo”, and explained that he was following a similar philosophy for healthcare: “Nyika inorapwa nevene vayo.”

“We are here to serve our community and ensure that everyone enjoys good health. A healthy community actively participates in national development,” he said.

“The purpose of our existence is to serve each other. Health care is expensive, so we aim to help less privileged people access quality medical services,” Dr Chikati added.

He also highlighted that Southlea Hospital has made significant progress over the past four years. “Next year, we plan to offer a full array of surgical operations,” he revealed.

Dr Chikati stressed the hospital’s commitment to community health, noting, “A healthy community is a productive community. If people are not healthy, they cannot sustain their livelihoods. We are bridging the gap in southern Greater Harare, where there are few private hospitals, ensuring people access healthcare at their doorstep.”

He confirmed that the programme is self-funded. “Our funds do not come from elsewhere. We are not subsidized by any other organization,” he said.

Dr Chikati also commended First Lady Dr Auxilia Mnangagwa for her efforts in extending health services across the country, including remote areas. “We draw inspiration from Dr Amai Auxilia Mnangagwa, who provides free medical services nationwide,” he said.

Patients were hospitalized free of charge. Some of the patients had come out of theatre after surgical operations with long-standing fractured bones and bone deformities free of charge. Among them was 15-year-old John Sweater from Mhondoro, who had a broken leg, and 10-year-old Makanaka Kadiyo, who was fit for discharge after treatment for a broken arm. The juvenile amused doctors after she demanded to be discharged from the hospital, a testimony of a successful surgery.

Testimonies from patients highlighted the impact of the programme and its far-reaching dividends. Mr Lovemore Yobhe, an adult who suffered broken legs in a fatal accident in August, expressed gratitude for receiving medical care he could not afford. Mr Yobhe was still yet to come to terms with how he finally got his salvation from a “God-sent” Dr Chikati.

Programmes Coordinator and Hospital Administrator Mr Tinashe Manyangadze said: “We could have held this programme elsewhere and attracted thousands, but we chose to bring it to the doorstep of the people we serve.”