This year alone, scores of Zimbabwean politicians visited foreign hospitals. President Robert Mugabe, the first lady Grace Mugabe, Army General Constantine Chiwenga, CIO chief Mernad Muzariri and MDC-T’s Eliphas Mukonoweshuru all went abroad for treatment.
Minister of Lands Herbert Murewa receives his medication from South Africa, while many have regular check-ups overseas.
Unfortunately the tax payer who foots the bill for such lavish treatment, has to make do with sub-standard care. At Chitungwiza General Hospital the few doctors still remaining do their best to care for the overpopulated wards. Due to a shortage of beds, some patients have to lie on the floor and most cannot afford to foot the bill at the end of their stay.
Even though statistics point to the fact that Zimbabwe has one of the best health cares systems in SADC, ministers and MPs do not trust the public health institutions. Can we blame them when the hospitals are bedevilled with black-outs, water shortages and poorly stocked pharmacies?
If everyone could afford to fly to South Africa for treatment then perhaps the life expectancy rate would increase from 40.
Post published in: News