Chronicle EditorEllah Mukwati Herald Reporter
The Ministry of Health and Child Care has been challenged to improve road emergency care services to help save lives following road traffic accidents.
The call was made by the president of the Passengers’ Association of Zimbabwe, Mr Tafadzwa Goliati, in a letter to the ministry yesterday.
“Passengers’ Association of Zimbabwe (PAZ) calls for the Ministry of Health and Child Care to ensure that there is an inclusive national hospital and medical emergency response programme designed on the principle of immediate access to treatment, X-Rays, blood transfusion as well as equitable distribution of appropriate equipment and supplies.
“In recent hospital visits and discussions with victims of road accidents, PAZ leadership discovered that road traffic accident victims are usually called upon to pay upfront for blood transfusion and X-rays as well as being made to buy medication from pharmacies.”
Mr Goliati said most people involved in traffic accidents and admitted to hospitals died because they failed to get specialist services from neurologists who requested cash up- front.
“Many people who are injured during road carnage lack sufficient cash and usually do not have close relatives nearby, while others do not have medical aid cover,” he said.
“Emergency care is part of the 5Es, which include education, enforcement, engineering and environment, and it saves the lives of the injured. Emergency preparedness and efficiency constitute a vital aspect of a government’s service to its citizens.”
Online Reporter