MATOBO and Mangwe communities in Matabeleland South have benefited from the Zimbabwe Defence Forces (ZDF) medical outreach programme at Maphisa District Hospital.

The medical outreach, which started with the screening of patients at Bango clinic in Mangwe on July 28, was taken to Maphisa hospital on August 4, where eye cataract patients are being attended to.

As of this Wednesday, more than 200 eye cataract patients have been assisted with 50 surgeries performed, and over 80 getting eye glasses.

The first eye dressing parade is being witnessed by Commander Zimbabwe Defence Forces, General Philip Valerio Sibanda, and Deputy Minister of Defence Brigadier General (Retired) Levy Mayihlome.

More than 100 general patients have also been treated for various ailments.

The programme targets villagers from Tshelanyemba, Brunapeg, Mahobodo, Mabonyane, Kezi, Maphisa and Bango.

The initiative is part of the ZDF Community Assistance Week that precedes the Defence Forces Day commemorations set for August 12.