No Fees, No Worries: Sakupwanya’s Free Medical Centre Brings Hope to Expecting Mothers
HARARE – Businessman and philanthropist Pedzai ‘Scott’ Sakupwanya has opened a free medical and maternity centre in Mabvuku, providing essential healthcare services to pregnant women and vulnerable patients in the community.
The facility, Scottland Medical Centre & Maternity, officially launched on March 5, 2025, and has been operational since, offering free medical care to expecting mothers, elderly patients with chronic conditions and those struggling to afford private healthcare.
The Scottland Medical Centre & Maternity has quickly become a critical healthcare hub, receiving 100 patients daily, according to Nurse In Charge, Sister Emma Jakachira, as reported by iHarare.
She noted that the maternity wing alone is handling 15 bookings per day, highlighting the overwhelming demand for free healthcare in Mabvuku and surrounding areas.
Due to space constraints, Sakupwanya is now purchasing additional properties near the facility to expand its capacity, ensuring more patients receive free medical treatment.
The initiative has drawn mixed reactions online. While many praised Sakupwanya’s efforts, others questioned whether such services should be provided by the government instead of private individuals.
According to H-Metro, critics speculated that the facility might start charging fees if public hospitals continue to struggle, while supporters believe it fills a critical healthcare gap in underprivileged areas.
Beyond serving the local community, Scottland Medical Centre & Maternity also provides free healthcare to Scottland FC players, making it the first medical facility opened by a domestic football club in Zimbabwe, as reported by Gambakwe Media.
Additionally, Sakupwanya has partnered with Discovery Ambulance Services, ensuring emergency medical transport is available for patients requiring urgent care.
At the facility’s unveiling, Sakupwanya gifted popular musician Killer T a Scottland FC-branded jacket, marking a moment that further strengthened his ties with the community.
Despite ongoing debates over whether private individuals should lead such initiatives, the Scottland Medical Centre & Maternity continues to serve hundreds of patients daily, proving to be a crucial lifeline for Mabvuku and nearby suburbs.
Whether the facility will remain free long-term remains uncertain, but its impact on healthcare accessibility is undeniable.
