Broke Zimbabwe halts surgeries
From MERCY MUJURU in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe
BULAWAYO, (CAJ News) – MILLIONS of impoverished Zimbabweans are at risk after the country’s major hospitals suspended elective surgeries following a shortage of sedative drugs.
The shortage has been blamed on the dire financial crisis the Southern African country is suffering.
The United Bulawayo Hospitals (UBH) in the second-largest city is the latest facility to suspend elective surgeries, months after a similar decision by the Harare Central Hospital in the capital city.
It is a type of surgery scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency.
UBH clinical director, Narcaciuous Dzvanga, confirmed the suspension.
“Hospitals are facing challenges in obtaining Pethidine. This is a shortage in the country not just at UBH,” said Dzvanga.
This is a major blow to the 13 million population, mostly poor who rely on public hospitals for such services.
The rich elite mostly travel to South Africa and overseas for surgery.
President Robert Mugabe makes regular trips to Asia for medical care.
– CAJ News
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