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Meet the Staff of Nyadire United Methodist Hospital

Maxwell Rupfutse, Resident Junior Physician

Posted: March 21, 2005

Deep within the rural landscape of Zimbabwe, Nyadire United Methodist Hospital strives to deliver quality health care services despite severely limited resources. The staff attribute their strength and perseverence to their faith in God, which helps them provide patients with love, compassion, and wonderful care.

When Dr. Maxwell Rupfutse arrived at Nyadire United Methodist Hospital (NUMH) in November 2003 the community of Nyadire rejoiced. Before his arrival there had not been a doctor in the hospital for three long years.

A native of Zimbabwe, Maxwell is full of enthusiasm for his hospital and is unwavering in his commitment to learning his practice and helping his people. This is particularly significant since most of his doctor colleagues are leaving Zimbabwe to pursue a better life and opportunities in countries such as the United Kingdom.

Eagerly working with and learning from Dr. Anand Rao, a visiting Person in Mission (PIM) doctor from India, Dr. Rupfutse espouses a clear vision for NUMH . Overall his objective, like the mission of the hospital, is to improve the health status of Nyadire, reduce disease, and improve the quality of life for patients. A spiritual man, Dr. Rupfutse believes these goals can be reached first and foremost by obeying God's commands and showing the community the power of God through the good works and deeds of the hospital. Dr. Rupfutse also aspires to provide more effective health education, support secondary healthcare such as reproductive services and dental care, attain more pharmaceuticals for his patients, and attract more medical students to Nyadire. He knows that the foundation he lays today for Nyadire will determine the level of healthcare offered to future generations.

Dr. Rupfutse begins his day at the hospital by making the rounds and visiting with patients in each of the wards. Patients such as Monica Kayto, who suffers from tuberculosis and stomach cancer, appreciate the individualized care and daily visit from the kind doctor.

Maxwell is proud of the hospital's reputation for providing skilled but compassionate care and he readily acknowledges the exceptional work of the nursing staff, who he believes is the real heart of Nyadire. "They are the most wonderful team of nurses. They have had to do a lot of different jobs when the hospital was without a doctor or when the doctor is involved in an emergency. They are very patient, caring, have high Christian values... and they show respect for one another." It is clear that the nurses and technicians also respect and look to Dr. Rupfutse for leadership and learning.

Today, amidst the poverty, disease and lack of education or understanding that strain the Nyadire community and Zimbabwe, Dr. Rupfutse is devoted to helping the people of Nyadire. Originally a native from Nyanga, the mountainous region of Zimbabwe, Maxwell, his wife Mercy, who is a nurse in the maternity ward, and their young daughter, Manjita have made Nyadire their home.

We hope Dr. Rupfutse will stay and serve Nyadire for many years to come.

Photos: 1. Dr. Maxwell Rupfutse, Resident Junior Physician at Nyadire United Methodist Hospital in Zimbabwe, tends to Monica Katyo, who has tuberculosis and stomach cancer. Nyadire's patients appreciate the individualized care and daily visit from the kind doctor. Photo by Amy Squires 2004. 2. Outside the Nyadire United Methodist Hospital building in Zimbabwe, Dr. Maxwell Rupfutse Rupfutse, Resident Junior Physician, chats with Rut Lindgren, a missionary nurse from the United Methodist Church of Finland. She is heading out to distribute immunizations to 24 surrounding villages. Photo by Amy Squires 2004.