By Kuda Pembere
Zimbabwe’s medical fraternity is mourning the death of Dr Booker Kambarami, one of the country’s pioneering specialists in obstetrics and gynaecology, who died on August 15.
He was 76.
In a condolence message issued on Sunday, the Ministry of Health and Child Care’s Permanent Secretary Dr Aspect Maunganidze described Dr Kambarami’s death as a great loss to his family, the medical fraternity and Zimbabwe’s health sector.
Born on July 5, 1950, in Murewa, Dr Kambarami devoted more than five decades to medicine and was among the specialists who helped lay the foundation for specialist obstetrics and gynaecology practice in Zimbabwe.
He also made significant contributions to the advancement of women’s health in the country.
Dr Kambarami trained in medicine at the University of Rhodesia before obtaining his medical degree from the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 1976.
After completing his residency at Harare Central Hospital, he gained further clinical experience at West Middlesex Hospital in the UK and undertook specialist training in obstetrics and gynaecology through the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists.
He returned to Zimbabwe in 1984 and dedicated himself to caring for women and their families, serving in both the public and private health sectors.
He was also a founding member of Belvedere Maternity Hospital, where he played a significant role in expanding maternity and women’s health services.
Affectionately known as “Mr Perfect”, Dr Kambarami was renowned for his clinical excellence, professionalism, attention to detail and commitment to his patients.
The ministry also described him as an accomplished teacher and mentor who shared his knowledge and experience with generations of healthcare professionals.
His particular interest and expertise in diabetes in pregnancy contributed to the management of complex obstetric conditions and the strengthening of clinical practice.
In 2016, Dr Kambarami received an award from the Zimbabwe Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (ZSOG) in recognition of his long and distinguished service to the specialty in Zimbabwe.
The award recognised a career marked by dedication, professional excellence and service to patients and the medical profession.
“The Ministry of Health and Child Care joins the Kambarami family, colleagues, former students, patients and the entire medical fraternity in mourning the loss of an outstanding physician and consummate specialist,” Dr Maunganidze said.
“His professional legacy will continue to live through the many lives he saved, the families he cared for and the health professionals he trained and inspired.”
The ministry extended its condolences to Dr Kambarami’s wife, Professor Rose Agatha Kambarami, his children Washington, Donald, Mutsa and Anesu, his grandchildren and great-grandchild, as well as the wider Kambarami family.
“Zimbabwe has lost a distinguished son and a true giant of the medical profession,” the Health ministry Secretary said.
For Dr Mugove Madziyire, president of ZSOG, Dr Kambarami was more than a pioneering specialist. He was a mentor whose influence extended to generations of obstetricians and gynaecologists.
Madziyire said he had the privilege of being directly mentored by Dr Kambarami after joining his team as a newly graduated obstetrician in January 2004.
“I have the pleasure of sharing this testimony as one who got direct mentorship from him,” Madziyire said.
“In January 2004, I joined his team as a newly graduated obstetrician. He was a no-nonsense man who stuck to basic principles.
“Together with other senior registrars who had passed through his team, we had to give daily updates on patients.”
Madziyire said Dr Kambarami’s contribution went beyond clinical practice, describing him as a great mentor whose work had made a lasting contribution to women’s reproductive health and wellbeing.
“On behalf of ZSOG, heartfelt condolences to Prof Kambarami and family on the passing of a hero,” he said.
“As an association of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, we mourn deeply the loss of a great mentor who has contributed immensely to women’s reproductive health and wellbeing.
“We today join the medical fraternity and the nation at large in cherishing Dr Kambarami’s contribution to maternal health.”
Dr Kambarami’s legacy, built over more than five decades, is likely to endure through the patients he treated, the families he cared for and the generations of medical professionals he mentored.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
