MUTARE SOUTH Villagers in the rural areas of Chishakwe in Mutare South are dying because they cannot afford to pay for medical fees, a local headman confirmed.In an interview with The Zimbabwean, Headman Chishakwe said a number of his villagers had lost their lives as they could not raise the required medical fees.
The headman said the villagers were facing problems in raising the foreign currency required for clinic fees.
He also said the nearest Zimunya Clinic had no adequate drugs.
Most patients are now referred to Mutare to buy the medication at various pharmacies, of which the prices are beyond the reach of many, he said.
He said the situation was being compounded by the higher rate of people living with the HIV virus.
I have got villagers who have succumbed to ill health due to AIDS and TB. It is very difficult for them and the rate at which they are dying is a great cause of concern, he said.
He added that most villagers were now coming to his homestead seeking assistance.
There is nothing that I can do at the moment. I have referred them to the chief (Chief Zimunya), he said.
Post published in: Analysis