Cimas Renames Harare Medical Centre After Zimbabwe’s First Black Female Doctor

Zimbabwe’s first black female medical doctor, Dr Madeline Nyamwanza-Makonese, has been honoured for her pioneering contribution to healthcare, with Cimas Health Group renaming its Van Praagh Medical Centre in Harare in recognition of her legacy.

The renaming ceremony, held in Harare on Friday, celebrated a woman whose achievements broke racial and gender barriers in medicine and paved the way for future generations of women in the profession.

Dr Nyamwanza-Makonese made history in 1970 when she became Zimbabwe’s first black female medical doctor and the first African woman to graduate from the country’s medical school.

She was the only woman among 25 students in her class, reflecting her determination to pursue medicine at a time when opportunities for women were limited.

Speaking on behalf of Health and Child Care Minister Dr Douglas Mombeshora, Chief Medical Officer and Sally Mugabe Central Hospital head Dr Hopewell Mungani said the recognition celebrated her dedication to patient care, maternal and child health, and the advancement of women’s education.

He said her achievements should inspire healthcare professionals to uphold compassion, dignity and professionalism.

“The greatest tribute to her legacy will not be the name above this entrance, but the quality of care delivered within these halls,” Mungani said.

He also called for stronger cooperation between the Government, private healthcare providers and medical aid societies to improve access to affordable, quality healthcare.

“The patient must never become the casualty of disputes between institutions that should be working together,” he said, urging stakeholders to resolve disagreements over tariffs, co-payments and settlements through dialogue and transparency.

Cimas Health Group chief executive Dr Vuli Ndlovu said the organisation had grown from a medical aid society established in 1945 into an integrated healthcare network operating nearly 50 units across more than 19 locations.

He said the renamed facility reflected the importance of bringing healthcare services closer to patients by offering wellness services, general practice, dental care and radiology under one roof.

“A building does not heal anyone. A doctor, a nurse, a pharmacist or a dentist who is trusted and properly supported does,” Ndlovu said.

He highlighted the need to invest in healthcare professionals, noting that Cimas had supported 65 beneficiaries through its Health Education Fund since the programme began in 2007. The beneficiaries include medical specialists and specialist nurses trained in various fields.

Ndlovu also raised concern over rising healthcare costs, which he attributed to imported medicines, new technologies and unnecessary medical procedures.

“For the current year to date, our claims ratio has reached 80 percent,” he said, calling for measures to curb waste and fraud while keeping healthcare sustainable and accessible.

For Dr Nyamwanza-Makonese’s family, the honour represents recognition of a lifetime devoted to serving patients.

Her husband, Eben Makonese, said the family was proud that her name would be associated with a facility committed to healing and quality patient care.

He recalled her dedication to her profession, recounting an occasion when she insisted on visiting her surgery on Christmas Day in case a patient needed assistance, despite living about 30 kilometres away.

The incident, he said, reflected her commitment to putting patients first, even during personal and family time.

In August 2025, the Government recognised Dr Nyamwanza-Makonese’s contribution to human capital development through the Robert Gabriel Mugabe Commendation Award.

The renaming adds to that recognition, preserving the legacy of a pioneer whose journey into medicine challenged the barriers of her time.

As the facility continues to serve patients, her name stands as a reminder that healthcare depends not only on medical expertise and infrastructure, but also on compassion, dedication and the people who make a difference in the lives of others.