Melinda Kusemachibi
Masvingo Provincial Hospital which recently made headlines for having only one blood pressure testing machine has refuted the allegations, saying they have enough machines to cater for every department.
It was reported by unnamed sources that patients in at least five wards at the hospital have to share one BP testing machine.
Sources privy to the matter said the institution has for a number of years been surviving with few BP testing machines which often would break down, worsening the crisis.
“The hospital has few BP testing equipment and sometimes one machine has to cater for at least five wards,” said a source.
Masvingo Provincial Hospital Public Relations Officer Chioniso Gono denied the allegations and said the hospital has enough BP testing machines.
“It is not true that at least five wards are using one BP testing machine because each department has its testing machines,” said Gono.
She however contradicted herself as she said that there are only two machines at the maternity department.
“At the maternity department, there are only two BP testing machines. Each BP testing machine belongs to a certain department,” said Gono.
In a related issue Masvingo Provincial Medical Director (PMD) Amadeus Shamhu said the renal unit machines need replacement.
“The machines at the unit need replacement, so we are waiting for the company which was given the tender to come and see if they are still working then after that we will be in a position to give a comment on when it will be completed,” said Dr Shamhu.
Reports once surfaced that there were missing parts from donated equipment at the hospital. The story sparked anger among members of the public who felt that corrupt officials in the health sector were costing people’s lives.
A renal unit is critical at most major health institutions and assist patients with malfunctional kidneys to remove toxic substances from the body.
People with diseases such as diabetes and hypertension also require dialysis on a regular basis and the majority of them cannot afford the exorbitant fees charged in the private sector.
