By Perpetua Murungweni
Masvingo residents have raised concern over closure of council clinics on weekends saying people were having challenges in getting health services even during emergencies.
One resident, Zvifadzo Marare said when they go to Masvingo Provincial Hospital they will be referred back to the council clinics which will be closed during weekends, making it difficult to get attention.
“It is difficult to access health care services on weekends as most council clinics will be closed and if you go to Masvingo General Hospital, you will be turned back. They say the General Hospital is only for referrals and they would need a referral letter.
“They also say the General Hospital caters for residents in Rhodene and surrounding areas. So council should consider opening their clinics over the weekend because no one plans to get ill,” said Marare.
Another resident, Tariro Chari, said the only other alternative that residents had was to go to private clinics which becomes costly considering the economic situation.
“If you get ill during the weekend you would have to go to a private clinic for medical services which is very expensive and at the end of the day we are forced to wait until Monday to go to the clinic,” said Chari
Masvingo City Council Director of Health and Environmental Services, Suzanne Madamombe said closure of council clinics on weekends was due to staffing constraints and lack of resources.
“Council clinics close on weekends due to staffing constraints; we have limited personnel and difficulties in maintaining adequate staffing levels on weekends. Lack of resources is also a problem as we prioritize available resources for weekday operations when demand is typically higher, than on weekends,” said Madamombe.
Madamombe said council ensures continuity of care for patients requiring services during weekends by providing plans that last through weekends and also said there were other alternative facilities that people could rush to in case of emergency.
“We try to provide patients with sufficient medication and treatment plans to last through weekends, sometimes the clinics are opened on Saturday 7am to 4pm to shorten the weekend. We also offer emergency contact information for urgent concern and refer patients requiring ongoing care to Masvingo Provincial Hospital.
“There are also alternative healthcare facilities or services available for residents during weekends and these include Masvingo Provincial Hospital emergency, casualty department (for urgent care) and private healthcare providers offering extended hours,” said Madamombe.
Masvingo United Residents and Ratepayers Association Board Chairperson Thomas Mbetu said the sad development limited access to essential services by residents.
“This decision has raised significant alarms among our communities, as it severely limits access to essential health services during a time when many individuals require immediate medical attention.
“Illness does not adhere to a schedule; it arises unexpectedly any time, including weekends. By closing clinics during these critical times, we are effectively denying residents the healthcare they need. This not only undermines public health but also places unnecessary strain on emergency services, which may already be overwhelmed.
“We urge council to reconsider this decision and explore solutions that would allow for minimal weekend services, Whether through adjusted staffing schedules, community volunteer programs, or partnerships with local healthcare providers,” said Mbetu.
