Cimas Showcases Healthcare Advancements Ahead of 2024 IGo Marathon

By Charity Chikara

Cimas Health Group, in partnership with the Zimbabwe Union of Journalists (ZUJ), opened its doors to the media yesterday to showcase its state-of-the-art healthcare facilities, underscoring its commitment to wellness and innovation in Zimbabwe’s healthcare sector.

The tour offered journalists an exclusive look at Cimas’s modernized infrastructure, including a newly refurbished open-plan laboratory equipped with advanced machinery to deliver comprehensive pathology services, such as cancer diagnostics and kidney and liver function tests.

Journalists also had the opportunity to visit the newly refurbished dental clinic and the paperless clinic, which reflects Cimas’s efforts to leverage technology for improving healthcare delivery.

Speaking after the tour during the media cocktail event in Bulawayo, the Cimas Group CEO, Mr. Vulindlela Ndlovu, delivered a powerful call to action, urging all stakeholders to collaborate in improving access to healthcare. He emphasized that health should not be a privilege determined by financial means, urging a more practical approach given Zimbabwe’s resource limitation.

“Let’s all put our heads together and see how we can improve access to healthcare. Health is not about who can afford it or who has money. Of course, we expect the public sector to look after us, but as a developing country, we do not have enough resources, so let’s be practical,” Ndlovu said.

He dismissed focusing solely on challenges, advocating instead for proactive, solutions-driven efforts. He reiterated the Second Republic’s mantra: “Nyika Inovakwa nevene vayo, ilizwe lakhiwa ngabanikazi balo.”

“Rather than mourn all day and say these are not working and this is not enough, we, as the private sector, are saying let’s also do something about health,” he added.

Acknowledging the critical role of the media, Ndlovu praised journalists for their impartial reporting, which holds organizations accountable while inspiring progress. He expressed gratitude for their continued efforts in educating the public and urged them to champion the message of wellness.

“To attain this, we need the media to play its role in holding us accountable and keeping the public informed. Those values are important to us,” Ndlovu noted.

This sentiment was echoed by Cimas Chief Operating Officer, Thando Kembo, who highlighted the organization’s 80-year history of promoting wellness in Zimbabwe.

She pointed out that Cimas is more than just a medical aid society, defining its mission as one rooted in promoting holistic wellness.

“We promote wellness because we believe that if we want people to live longer, we may as well ensure they live healthier,” Kembo said.

Kembo also emphasized that Cimas’s efforts align with the National Health Strategy (2021–2025) and Vision 2030, which seek to improve health outcomes and ensure universal healthcare access across the nation.

By complementing public sector efforts, Cimas contributes to the goals of the National Development Strategy 1 (NDS1) and Vision 2030, which envision a healthier, more equitable Zimbabwe.

Cimas operates 14 clinics across Zimbabwe, serving over 400,000 members and non-members annually. With clinics in Harare, Mutare, Kwekwe, Gweru, Bulawayo, Masvingo, and Victoria Falls, Cimas plays a key role in improving access to healthcare nationwide.

The tour preceded the IGo Marathon, scheduled for Sunday at the Bulawayo Athletic Club. Under the theme “Men’s Health Champions Build Healthier Communities,” the marathon aims to raise awareness for men’s health. The event features three races: 21km, 10km and 5km, kicking off at 5:30am. Last year’s event saw 1 422 athletes participate, raising US$13 753 for the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe.

All proceeds will be donated to the Cancer Association of Zimbabwe, reinforcing Cimas’s commitment to addressing critical health challenges while promoting wellness across the country.

“We set up the IGo Marathon in 2016 to focus on wellness and promote its various dimensions, including physical, emotional, and spiritual health. We are happy to invest in this cause and proud to say that all proceeds will go to cancer aid,” Kembo concluded.

This perspective was further supported by Cimas Chief Marketing Officer, Tatenda Madzikanda, who emphasized the importance of collaboration in achieving better health outcomes.

“We understand that we cannot do this alone; we rely on collaboration with other private healthcare providers and the public healthcare system. As our population grows, expanding healthcare facilities becomes crucial to driving progress as a nation. In essence, we are complementing the existing infrastructure already in place. Currently, we conduct approximately 60% of all private pathology tests in Zimbabwe,” Madzikanda said.