The locals said they had no option but to visit the hospital in Chimoio as healthcare in Zimbabwe was so poor and the drugs were too expensive.
Most of the patients trekking to Chimoio are dental patients who cannot afford to pay private dentists in Mutare. Most government hospitals do not have dental facilities and patients are refereed to private clinics. Private dentists charge fees ranging from $30 to $45 for appointments. It costs less than $2 to travel from Machipanda border post to Chimoio Provincial hospital.
Tendai Madzeka (25) of Burma Valley said he had been travelling to Chimoio for a long time. “I am unemployed and it’s too expensive for me to pay the fees at home. I would rather come here with my family for medical assistance,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by Chris Hama (33) of Vumba who said the services at Chimoio hospital were superior to those in his home town.
“You don’t have to spend a long time in the queue. Whatever time you go, you are attended to by qualified staff, unlike at our local hospital where you have to pay a lot of money,” said Hama.
A medical health expert at Chimoio hospital, Dr Pedro Ali, confirmed that the hospital was full of Zimbabweans.
“We are overwhelmed by Zimbabwean who come here every day for medical assistance. However, we are managing to cope because we receive support from the government and donors. We also have adequate staff to cater for all the needs of patients,” said Ali.
Post published in: News