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Faith Mutema Herald Reporter
Government yesterday received eight ambulances, an audiometric machine and a digital X-ray machine from Global Fund to boost efforts in curbing the spread of Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (DRTB).
The ambulances, which cost $45 600 each, would be issued to all provinces, excluding Harare and Bulawayo. The target is to reduce TB — a disease mainly affecting the poor, children, the elderly and people living in crowded places.
Speaking at Wilkins Hospital, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said the ambulances are only meant for tuberculosis patients.
“Tuberculosis has been underestimated by people, yet it is the number one killer disease in the world and we as a team are determined to minimise the spread of the disease.
“These ambulances are meant to suppress the spread of TB since they are only meant to carry those patients,” said Dr Parirenyatwa
Dr Parirenyatwa also commissioned an audiometric machine and digital X-ray machine, which he said will help detect the disease faster before it is resistant, thus providing quality health care.
“The audiometric machine allows fast identification of the effects DRTB second drugs, preventing diseases like deafness in patients.
“On the other hand, the X-ray is very efficient and economic, it has a system which connects and shares pictures with any hospital in and outside the country,” he said.
The minister said Global Fund plans to distribute another 20 X-rays to district hospitals in addition to 13 installed four years ago.
Country Co-ordination Mechanism (CCM) subcommittee for Global Fund representative Mr Donald Tebayo said progress is being made in reducing DRTB through high-quality decentralised care.
Online Reporter