Clinic goes for two years without power

17 Apr, 2016 - 00:04 0 Views

The Sunday News

Lackson Munkombwe Sunday News Reporter
A clinic in Matobo District, Matabeleland South has been operating without power for two years due to a technical problem that has not been attended to, forcing staff to use candles while treating patients at night. Addressing delegates from the European Union and various stakeholders at the affected faciity, Natisa Clinic on Thursday, Health and Child Care Minister Dr David Parirenyatwa said it was shocking that there were such cases at some health institutions in the country.

“It is surprising that the clinic has connected power lines but has not been having energy for two years due to a technical fault. We have mothers who are in the waiting rooms waiting to deliver, it is very difficult for midwives to operate under such circumstances,” said Dr Parirenyatwa.

He said his ministry was going to engage Zesa to fix the problem as soon as possible.

“We have had a number of reports from various hospitals about power cuts. We are advocating so hard and my wish is that Government must consider my calls so that power must remain available at all times in hospitals,” Dr Parirenyatwa said.

The sister-in-charge of Natisa Clinic, Ms Sifelumusa Ndlovu said the community around the clinic has been contributing money to buy candles.

“We purchased solar lamps but we have challenges in winter as the lamps do not last the whole night especially when attending deliveries in the maternity wing. The community has suggested that we buy candles but these are not bright enough.”

The EU head of delegation, Mr Philippe Van Demme, donated 25 different types of primary health kits to the clinic.

“We are happy that we see an improvement at this clinic. You must not lose hope even when things are not working well,” said Mr Van Demme.

“I also want to thank workers for their efforts to educate women about the risks of home delivery which I understand have been reduced to zero in this area. Mothers must work as a unity to ensure that there is sanity in the community.”

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