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By Judith Matanire
Cimas Health Group has been commended for its instrumental role in the recently concluded Smilestar dental outreach, which provided free oral healthcare to underserved communities in Matabeleland North.
The initiative, a collaboration between Smilestar, a UK-based charity dental organization, and Cimas Health Group, ran from March 10 to March 20, offering crucial dental services to residents in Victoria Falls and Hwange.
Smilestar founder, Dr. Mitesh Badiani, praised Cimas Health Group for its significant contribution, which included a fully equipped mobile clinic and a dedicated medical team.
The mobile unit allowed the outreach to offer high-quality dental care, replicating the services of a fully functional dental clinic. Dr. Alan Gura, a Cimas dentist, along with a nurse, provided treatments ranging from restorative work to periodontal care and simple endodontic procedures.
“Cimas Health Group’s support, including their medical personnel and state-of-the-art mobile dental clinic, greatly enhanced our ability to deliver comprehensive care to the communities we served,” Dr. Badiani stated.
“Previously, we struggled to offer restorative treatments and root fillings, but with Cimas’ expertise and resources, we were able to provide these critical services efficiently.”
The outreach began at Chinotimba Clinic in Victoria Falls, where patients received free dental treatment for four days. The team then moved to Hwange, where they were stationed at Miombo Safari Camp in Dete from March 17 to March 20.
Throughout the program, hundreds of residents received essential dental care, many of whom had never had access to such services before.
Cimas Health Group’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Vuli Ndlovu, emphasized that the initiative aligns with the organization’s commitment to promoting healthier communities.
“We are proud to have partnered with Smilestar and other local stakeholders such as Chinotimba Clinic, Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, and Hwange Miombo Safari Camp. This initiative is critical in improving oral health awareness and accessibility in underserved areas,” he said.
He highlighted that Cimas firmly believes healthcare, including oral health, is a fundamental right.
“Our decision to provide our fully equipped mobile clinic and skilled medical professionals for free reflects our dedication to extending essential medical services to marginalized areas. Through this initiative, we did not just provide treatment but also educated communities on long-term oral hygiene practices,” Mr. Ndlovu added.
Dr. Badiani also acknowledged the critical role played by volunteers and donors in making the outreach possible. He noted that many of the dental problems encountered could have been prevented with proper education and access to affordable dental care.
“A simple tooth extraction can cost up to US$80, which is unaffordable for many. This highlights the urgent need for more accessible dental services in Zimbabwe,” he noted. Looking ahead, Dr. Badiani expressed enthusiasm about expanding Smilestar’s outreach to other regions but stressed the need for strong partnerships to sustain the program.
Meanwhile, Cimas Health Group reaffirmed its support for national healthcare initiatives, with its officials set to participate in the Ministry of Health and Childcare’s World Oral Health Day commemorations in Lupane District. Nhau/Indaba
