Michael Gwarisa
In a bid to prevent and manage Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and other chronic conditions, the Premier Service Medical Aid Society (PSMAS) has launched its first Premier Lifestyle Wellness Week across clinics nationwide.
The initiative marks the beginning of a series of wellness-focused programs planned throughout the year, forming a key part of the new PSMAS Board’s five-year strategic plan to champion preventative health and build a healthier population. The board is led by Nobert Machinjike.
In an interview with HealthTimes, Dr. Tapiwa Chiworeka, PSMAS Population Health & Wellness Coordinator, said, “Our goal is to scale up the program to ensure no member is left behind. For the first quarter of 2026, we are targeting to reach 30,000 members.”
The program focuses on preventing and managing NCDs such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity, cervical cancer, breast cancer, and prostate cancer.
“Zimbabwe and PSMAS have seen a rise in NCDs, which place significant health and financial burdens on members. This requires decisive and proactive interventions to prevent and control these diseases,” Dr. Chiworeka added.
He emphasized that prevention is better than cure and noted that these targeted conditions are largely preventable and controllable through lifestyle modifications and early treatment. “We want members to know their numbers, understand their risks, and take control of their health through daily wellness practices. Our approach goes beyond screening—we support members throughout their wellness journey, from detection and education to follow-up care,” he said.
Members who attended the Wellness Clinic at the PSMAS George Silundika Clinic in Harare praised the initiative, describing it as life-changing.
For 66-year-old Mr. Aron Kunze, the Wellness Clinics came at the perfect time. “Through screening, I now know the areas I need to monitor closely. Often, when we visit health facilities, doctors address only the symptoms we report. This clinic went further, analyzing and screening conditions that could potentially compromise my health,” he said.
Mr. Kunze received services including prostate cancer screening, diabetes tests, mental health assessments, and wellness checks. He encouraged other men to participate in wellness clinics to prevent NCDs.
Women attending the clinic received screenings for cervical and breast cancer, diabetes, mental health assessments, and BMI evaluations.
Susan Madzivanzira, a PSMAS member who attended the Harare clinic, said the sessions revealed health concerns she had not been aware of. “I have generally maintained a normal weight, but I have recently started gaining pounds. The BMI screening showed that I need to watch my diet and manage my weight to prevent becoming overweight or obese,” she said.
While most women in Zimbabwe seek cervical cancer screening in their 40s or 50s, 30-year-old Nomsa Sigauke said she was motivated to attend after a close relative was diagnosed with the disease. “Cancer can be hereditary. Knowing that a close relative has cervical cancer increases my risk, so I was encouraged to come for screening. I am glad I did. I also understand that late detection can make treatment difficult, so I plan to be screened every year from now on,” she said.
