Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme launched in Harare Ward 16

Peter Tanyanyiwa

Herald Correspondent

THE Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme (PEMS) has been launched in Ward 16 Harare West.

The event was held at Heritage Village, where scores of members of the community received free life-saving skills lessons in line with the country’s Vision 2030 development agenda.

The event was facilitated by Arnold Kudakwashe Mhembere, the shadow councillor for Ward 16 Harare West.

Discovery Ambulance Services’ practitioner in charge and principal instructor for the training school Mr Elliot Chivige, highlighted the company’s rapid growth since its founding in March 2024.

“We started our operations with only two ambulances. Today, we have 36 state-of-the-art ambulances, including five dedicated disaster management units—one of which can convey five patients simultaneously in an ICU setting,” he said.

“Our mission is to make healthcare services quick and accessible for every Zimbabwean. The Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme has two wings: medical outreach, where we provide health screening and on-site treatment, and basic first aid, where we empower every citizen with life-saving skills.

“The first responder is often a community member, so we want them equipped to save lives while waiting for professional help.”

Discovery Ambulance Services founder and CEO Mr David Munowenyu, explained the inspiration behind the initiative.

“These programmes are motivated by our President’s Vision 2030. We want a developed country by 2030, and that means giving Zimbabweans the best in emergency services now, not in the future,” he said.

“Our motto is ‘every life matters, every second counts’. We have trained over 50 000 people across all 10 provinces since May 2024 and treated over 20 000 through this programme,” said Munowenyu.

“When an accident happens, it’s the people on the scene who are the first responders. That’s why we are training Zimbabweans to be knowledgeable and ready to act in emergencies. The response from the public has been overwhelmingly positive.”

The event was graced by Cde Tendai Chirau, the Deputy Secretary for Security in the ZANU-PF Politburo, who commended the partnership between Discovery Ambulance Services and the government.

“His Excellency the President made it clear that Zimbabwe is open for business. Munowenyu is a son of the soil who has embraced this call,” he said.

“First aid starts within the household, and it is crucial that our communities are trained. We are happy that medical examinations are also being done as part of this programme. This is true social corporate responsibility, and we hope these efforts continue.”

“Our people are learning every day, and these are the skills that will save lives in our communities. Even journalists covering these events may one day need first aid, and it is important that everyone is prepared.”

 

Arnold Kudakwashe Mhembere, the event facilitator, emphasised the alignment with national goals.

“Today, Discovery is here to help people and support the President’s vision of leaving no one and no place behind. We are building together as Zimbabweans, and we want the best for our country now,” said Mhembere.

The Presidential Emergency Medical Scheme, launched in partnership with Discovery Ambulance Services, is a flagship example of public-private collaboration.

The scheme aims to deploy 200 ambulances nationwide, with a focus on rural and underserved areas, and to provide free emergency medical services to all citizens.

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