Chronicle Editor
Thandeka Moyo-Ndlovu, [email protected]
THE 120-hour water-shedding programme imposed on Bulawayo residents to alleviate water shortages is taking a toll on health institutions that are struggling to provide quality services with water shortages.
Ingutsheni Central Hospital- the biggest psychiatric hospital in Zimbabwe is hardest hit as the mental institution is also battling overcrowding and a shortage of medication.
Speaking during a mayoral tour of Bulawayo hospitals, Ingutsheni staff members said the biggest male ward was housing 159 clients instead of the recommended maximum of 76 in the male ward.
They also highlighted that the Khumalo ward had gone for days without water leaving toilets blocked which is a health time bomb.
In his remarks after touring the hospital, Bulawayo Councillor David Coltart said that collective efforts were needed to alleviate the situation.
“The main purpose of this visit was for me along with Cllr Khumalo and Dr Mzingwane the director of health services to get an understanding of the health institutions in the city. Obviously, we don’t control them but we needed to find out what their problems are and what BCC can do to assist,” said Cllr Coltart.
“We started with Ingutsheni we went to Mater Dei, Cure Hospital, and then Mpilo (Central Hospital). Ingutsheni is very worrying we learned from the staff there that they don’t have basic medications and that they have been adversely affected by the water cuts. Khumalo ward which as of today has 159 patients doesn’t have any water and no anti-psychotic drugs and they face a real catastrophe.”
He said the council was looking into measures that would guarantee water supply to Ingutsheni.
Bongani Ndlovu
Online Reporter