Diaspora nurse opens Westgate clinic, expanding maternal and emergency care in Harare

Diaspora nurse opens Westgate clinic, expanding maternal and emergency care in Harare

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Government’s push to attract diaspora investment into national development has resulted in a new private healthcare facility in Harare, with a Canada-based Zimbabwean returning home to establish a medical centre in Westgate.

The centre is expected to widen access to healthcare services by reducing referral distances for patients who would otherwise travel further for treatment. Services available include maternal care, paediatrics, dental services and emergency care, according to officials at the facility.

The project was led by internationally trained nurse Memory Majoni, who said she returned after 23 years in Canada to invest in a hospital that complements public health services.

“I am an internationally trained nurse who stayed outside the country for 23 years, and I decided to come back to my country and establish a hospital. I thought it necessary to compliment our government. We do have our public hospitals that are doing tremendously well, and we thank God for that, but I thought maybe by adding another hospital in the community, it would save people from travelling far as we build our country. This was just my dream. To just help my country and help the community,” Majoni said.

Sister-in-charge Selina Mafukidze said the facility is also running outreach work as part of its community programme.

“We serve our community through maternal, paediatric, dental, and emergency services. We also do community outreach programmes for free,” Mafukidze said.

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Zanu-PF Central Committee member and Youth League National Secretary for Health and Child Care, Cde Lucky Gapa, said the investment reflected what he described as growing participation by Zimbabweans in the diaspora in national development.

“His Excellency President Dr Emmerson Mnangagwa always say the country is built by its own people, and this is a reflection of our president’s words. Investments by diaspora-based nationals also show confidence in the country’s leadership, so it’s a welcome initiative,” Gapa said.

Residents in the surrounding community said the facility brings services closer to families.

“We are very happy because we can access health services at the doorstep, no need to go to town or another place,” one resident said.

Another community member added: “People are heeding the call by our President to build the country, and this is commendable. We really appreciate as community members.”

Health analysts and local authorities have increasingly pointed to the role of private facilities in complementing public hospitals, particularly where services can be provided closer to residential areas. The Westgate investment adds to a growing number of returnee-led projects aimed at expanding access to healthcare and specialised services.

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