The severe cuts have also affected the quality of the much needed blood, which is always in short supply. Hospital Medical Superitendent, Dr Collet Mawire, said recently the hospital was forced to dispose 371 kilogrammes of meat as well as drugs such as insulin, which need refrigeration. The situation was putting the lives of patients at risk, particularly those who needed to be operated on. He said the hospital had constantly postponed critical operations.
“Blood need constant temperatures and the erratic power supply has impacted heavily on our operations. ZESA (Zimbabwe Electricity Supply Authority) should treat hospitals as strategic institutions that should be spared from load shedding,” he said.
He said ZESA had its priorities wrong as it was giving a constant supply of power to the nearby army barracks while risking the lives of patients.
He said the hospital had to rely on cell phone, torches and candles for lighting. The hospital had also to put up with the heavy stench that emanated from the mortuary, where uncollected bodies were decomposing. “We have uncollected decomposing bodies from old people’s homes such as Chengetanai and Nazareth shelter and ministry of Social Welfare is responsible for the burial. The place is stinking, he said.
Post published in: News