Staff Reporter
The Zimbabwe Miners Federation (ZMF) has partnered with Discovery Ambulance Services to improve emergency medical response for small-scale miners, aiming to reduce the risk of accidents and fatalities in the mining sector.
This collaboration will allow small-scale miners to benefit from the Presidential Emergency Scheme being rolled out by Discovery Ambulance Services.
Beyond emergency medical response, the partnership will also involve medical outreach programs in mining areas.
These initiatives will include testing and treatment for various sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV and gonorrhea, as well as other prevalent diseases such as tuberculosis and malaria in mining communities.
Speaking after signing the agreement, Mr Tafirenyika Chitsungo, acting CEO of FS Mining, a subsidiary of ZMF, expressed optimism that the deal would improve emergency response efforts.
“We have faced many accidents,” he said. “We need first responders like this company. It’s extremely important for us to partner with service providers like Discovery Ambulance Services as we move forward with our mining operations.”
ZMF President, Ms Henrietta Rushwaya, noted that the introduction of a local ambulance service provider would significantly help minimize the spread of STIs among small-scale miners, particularly with the recent withdrawal of US funding from the World Health Organization (WHO).
“With the US withdrawing from WHO, one of its biggest funders, African countries now need to come up with a Plan B,” she said. “This partnership between Discovery Ambulance Services and the Zimbabwe Miners Federation, through its special purpose vehicle, FS Mining, will play a crucial role in bridging the funding gap that is now being created by the lack of support from international donors.”
The CEO of Discovery Ambulance, Mr David Munowenyu, emphasized the importance of providing emergency services to miners working underground.
“We are offering a vital service to small-scale miners who go underground to extract gold and other minerals. We know accidents can happen at any time, and we’re pleased that we’re always able to respond to and cover such situations,” he said.
Mr Munowenyu also highlighted the need for first aid training for small-scale miners to better manage emergencies, accidents, or illnesses.
“It’s essential to train people in first aid, so they know how to respond during an emergency, an accident, or even at home,” he said. “We are not just waiting for them to seek healthcare; we are taking medical services to the people, ensuring they have full access to treatment and training.”