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TSHELANYEMBA Hospital in Matobo District of Matabeleland South has been forced to close as a result of an acute shortage of drugs, a development that has affected thousands of villagers who were solely dependent on the institution for medication.
The Salvation Army-run hospital had reportedly been facing several challenges ranging from water and electricity shortages before its closure.
The head of the church in the Matabeleland region, Major Itai Mutizwa confirmed the closure of the hospital but referred further questions to the hospital administrator, Major Edwin Jeremiah who could not be reached for comment.
“There have been some problems and what I can tell you is that some people stole the transformer and this resulted in the electricity blackout,” said Maj Mutizwa.
“We appeal to people to assist us with the best and least they can have. You can also please talk to Major Jeremiah because he is the person who can give you more information.”
Maj Mutizwa said their biggest worry is getting a transformer which will enable the hospital to be electrified. He also said the hospital needs close to $6 000 to buy drugs.
The church has since sent out a begging bowl for donations towards the hospital and church youths and children are reportedly being asked to pay a $1.
Villagers who spoke to Sunday News said the hospital has long been neglected, as it has been failing to give people proper medication for diseases that are easily treated.
“The hospital was operational but it was not of use,” said Ms Khonzani Moyo, a local villager.
“In most cases we were told that there were no medicines and with that we were forced to go to Maphisa Hospital which is about 50 kilometres away or take our ill relatives to St Joseph’s Mission Hospital or Beula Clinic for treatment.
“The hospital has been running without electricity and water. This forced the hospital to close the mortuary and they told us some medicines could not be stored because of some temperature requirements.”
Another villager, Mrs Easter Mlambo, said the hospital has not been offering services to expecting mothers. Mrs Mlambo also said parents are referred to Maphisa District Hospital for their babies to be vaccinated.
“There are no injections at Tshelanyemba Hospital because they can’t store injections in refrigerators as a result of the electricity crisis. We face transport problems when we have to go to Maphisa. Life was difficult for us without the hospital but due to its closure it’s going to be worse,” said Mrs Mlambo.
It also alleged that nurses at the hospital were fetching water from Shashani River, about 2km away, using buckets which they carried on their heads.
Online Reporter