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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
LOCAL authorities should monitor maternity fees charged at rural health facilities because the majority of women in Matabeleland South are failing to access proper health services. In a speech read on her behalf during the official opening of Bezu Clinic in Bulilima on Tuesday by Matabeleland South acting provincial administrator, Mr Midard Khumalo, the Governor, Cde Angeline Masuku said fees charged by health centres were beyond the reach of many.
“User fees charged by health institutions still remain a barrier for rural communities that want to access health services.
“This becomes a cause for concern and as a result there is a need for local authorities and other relevant authorities to address the issue of user fees as a matter of urgency. They need to monitor the fees that are being charged by health institutions in order to ensure they are affordable to the majority of people,” said Cde Masuku.
She said the other problem was that villagers travelled long distances to access health services.
“Health facilities have remained inaccessible to many communities because of long distances, which people are travelling. A practical example of this case is Natane ward where I am informed villagers walk up to 40km to reach the nearest health centre,” said Cde Masuku.
She said as a result women from rural communities were delivering without the supervision of qualified health personnel.
“The issue of distances and high user fees especially for maternity is discouraging people from seeking health services. The unavailability of critical drugs at health centres is another problem which has to be addressed if ever we hope to record improved health services in rural areas,” said Cde Masuku.
Speaking at the same event, Plumtree District Medical Officer Dr Langalokusa Sibanda said the new clinic, which is expected to service more than 6 000 people, would go a long way in improving the district’s health delivery system.
“Seven villages will benefit from this clinic and these are Phumuza, Mbila, Ntunungwe North and South, Bezu North and South and Mlomwe.
“People in these villages have been seeking health services from neighbouring health facilities including Plumtree District Hospital which is more than 30km away,” said Dr Sibanda.
The construction of the clinic started in 2001 but its completion was delayed due to lack of funds.
Online Reporter