Minister of Defence and War Veterans Affairs, Honourable Oppah Muchinguri- Kashiri who is also the Chairperson of the Inter-Ministerial Taskforce on the COVID-19 Outbreak heaped praises on health workers for diligently executing their duties during this COVID-19 era.

Speaking at the official opening of the Bulawayo Orthopaedic Centre and COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre, Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri spared a moment to thank health workers for a sterling job during the difficult environment characterised by COVID-19 outbreak and under a volatile working environment.

“My vote of thanks will not be complete if I do not pay homage to our gallant health workers who have stood by the heat.

“They have worked round the clock and at times without adequate Personal Protective Equipment,” said Minister Muchinguri – Kashiri.

The Defence Minister went on to explain how Government through the Ministry of Health focused on revamping health infrastructure so that it would be able to cope with demands for health services during the COVID-19 era.

“The Government has however, put in place measures to ameliorate the suffering from the effects of the pandemic by building and renovating isolation facilities throughout the country,” she said.

Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri highlighted the timely intervention taken by President Emmerson Mnangagwa of imposing a lockdown in order to curb the spread of the viral disease, a decision that saw the country recording fewer cases compared to other countries in the region. She added that Government bought vaccines resulting in a free vaccination nationwide programme.

“His Excellency and his Government prioritised the pandemic and invested billions of dollars to save the nation. His Excellency introduced measures including the lockdown which has helped us as we witness low figures compared to our neighbours.

“Funds were also set aside to procure vaccines and our people are being vaccinated throughout the country free of charge,” said the Minister of Defence.

The Defence Minister thanked Vice President and Minister of Health and Child Care, Dr Constantino Chiwenga and Ministry employees for ding the nation pride through the official opening of the Bulawayo Orthopaedic Centre and COVID-19 Isolation and Treatment Centre which adds value to the health delivery system.

“The Minister of Health and Child Care and his staff are doing us pride. Today we are celebrating this set of twins, which I believe speaks volumes of the good work they are doing.

“I hope they will continue to work hard to achieve their set goals,” said Minister Muchinguri-Kashiri.