adminbased at Karanda Mission Hospital in Rushinga.
Although Dr Thistle said he had cut ties only with the local chapter of the Salvation Army, he said his affiliation was now with the Evangelical Church of Africa which runs Karanda.
His relocation has left Howard Mission Hospital in a sorry state as he used to source medicines and other medical sundries, with the hospital now referring some of its patients to him at Karanda.
“I am a Salvationist, but the Salvation Army in Zimbabwe said my services are no longer needed as you know, this is why I am at Karanda Mission,” said Dr Thistle.
“So currently, my affiliation is with Evangelical Church of Africa where I am volunteering my services and staying while working on long-term plans to stay and work there.”
If the long term plans materialise, Dr Thistle is likely to replace retired Karanda Hospital’s chief medical officer Dr Roland Stevens who left the country in December.
Dr Thistle said he moved on with some of his loyal donors, particularly the Rotary Club, who have since extended their first contribution to Karanda in the form of medicines and equipment.
“It is a mixed picture because I am still volunteering and I have not yet committed myself fully, but I have switched the Rotary Club from Howard Mission to Karanda Mission,” he said.
While health workers at Karanda Mission said it was too soon to assess if Dr Thistle would ably replace Dr Stevens, those at Howard Mission have already started counting the losses due to his departure.
They said under Dr Thistle’s leadership, Howard Mission used to stock a variety of medicines ranging from pain killers, antibiotics to other sundries.
Some of the workers who spoke on condition of anonymity said the hospital was now characterised by drug stock outs and was improvising on some sundries.
“Last night a patient was transferred to Parirenyatwa because there was no adrenalin to resuscitate him,” said one of the workers.
“Today, we are told oxygen is out of stock.
“We are approaching the winter season where cases of asthma attacks peak, but the whole institution does not have salbutamol.”
Howard Mission Hospital now employs one junior doctor, with patients expressing dissatisfaction with the scenario.
Mrs Emma Madomu of Chiweshe whose 25-year-old daughter had just been discharged said they were referred to Karanda Mission.
Mrs Madomu said if Dr Thistle was still at Howard Mission her daughter could have recovered a long time ago.
“My soul is so much troubled because I am told Karanda Mission is very expensive,” she said.
“Who is going to pay for her treatment.”
Howard Mission administrator only identified as Mr Chimbalanga declined to comment, referring inquiries to the Salvation Army in Harare.
Online Reporter