FAITH NDOU
BIKITA-Hundreds of people from Bikita Minerals Mine and surrounding communities received free specialist healthcare services after Bikita Minerals (Private) Limited partnered with the 23rd Chinese Medical Team to Zimbabwe to host a three-day medical camp at the Bikita Mine Clinic from July 8 to July 10.
The outreach programme offered free medical examinations, specialist consultations, health education, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) services including acupuncture and medicine donations to the local clinic.
In a statement, Bikita Minerals said the initiative was aimed at improving access to quality healthcare in communities where specialised medical services are often difficult to access.
“The three-day free medical camp was conducted in close partnership with the 23rd Chinese Medical Team to Zimbabwe to provide comprehensive, specialised healthcare services to mine employees, their families and surrounding communities,” the company said.
The company said the programme demonstrated its commitment to responsible corporate citizenship.
“Through this initiative, we reaffirm our commitment to improving access to quality healthcare and promoting healthier communities while contributing to sustainable community development,” the statement reads.
The medical team ed by Dr. Ma Zheng included specialists in public health, endocrinology, orthopaedics, respiratory medicine, general surgery, medical imaging and Traditional Chinese Medicine.
The outreach also featured basic cardiac life support and first-aid training while a trilingual service desk operating in Chinese, English and Shona ensured patients could easily access the services.
Bikita Minerals said the camp went beyond medical treatment by extending support to vulnerable members of the community.
“The programme also included charity visits and consolation activities for vulnerable households in surrounding villages, reflecting our shared commitment to community welfare,” the company said.
As part of the outreach, Bikita Minerals management visited Bikita District Hospital to offer support to a patient recovering from a leg amputation. The company said it had fully covered the patient’s medical and surgical expenses.
The statement added that the initiative strengthens the long-standing medical partnership between Zimbabwe and China.
“As one of Zimbabwe’s largest lithium producers, Bikita Minerals remains committed to complementing its mining operations with initiatives that promote health, safety and sustainable community development,” the company said.
