ZIMBABWE - HARARE - The plight of patients through out Zimbabwe has worsened considerably as most hospitals and clinics are now demanding foreign currency upfront before sick people are admitted into their wards for treatment.

 

This applies even to those patients who are comprehensively covered by medical aid schemes.

 

 

A survey by ZimDaily revealed that it now costs at least US$75 for a patient to be admitted at a public hospital each day, with some private institutions demanding as much as US$200 per day.

 

 

 

 

At Harare Hospital, the admission section was literally empty, the payments desk was deserted and there were no health workers there.
Patients were being turned away.

Nurses have rejected a salary of US$150 per month and were set to meet with officials from the Health Services Board on January 9 to iron out the issue.

It was dramatic illustration of the collapse of Zimbabwe's once prestigious public healthcare system under the death grip of old tyrant Robert Mugabe.

 

Nurses who spoke to ZimDaily complained bitterly that government has refused to accept help with salaries for nurses. Mugabe's pride was blasted by two nurses we spoke to.

"How can anyone refuse help when they can’t help themselves," charged one nurse.

 

"It shows how callous this regime is. They don't care because they drive their Navaras and live in their gated communities feasting while we starve."

Another nurse said: "We are not going back to work until we get least US$650 per month. If they cannot meet our demands, so be it."

The maternity wing at Harare Hospital was partially opened with a ceasarian section going for a mouthwatering US$150.

Many were resorting to shrines of prophets which are overwhelmed with the sick. Others are going to n'angas.

At the ZINATHA clinic located at the Red Cross House corner Cameron and Speke, traditional medicines were selling in foreign currency.

It’s a desperate situation for the sick who do not have forex. Shrines of prophets are apparently overwhelmed with those seeking divine intervention. The desperation of the sick is written all over their faces.

 

Meanwhile,  The ministry of Education has postponed the opening of the first school term from Tuesday next week to January 27 in a move that shows the dramatic collapse of Zimbabwe's once prestigious education sector.

Permananet secretary Stephen Mahere claimed the ministry had postponed the opening of the school term to allow markers of Grade 7 exam papers to complete their work.

 

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But sources said the exam papers have still not been marked because teachers are refusing to accept the pathetic payment the bankrupt government is offering. Markers are demanding payment in forex.

Its a devastating blow to scholars, who last year went for the whole year without any schooling taking place.

Mahere also officially announced that schools that wanted to start charging fees in foreign currency should approach Godwills Masimirembwa, the chairmman of the National Incomes and Pricing Commision.

Mahere said he understands the dire situation with regards accessing forex for parents but said schools were also struggling to cope give that all basics were now purchased in forex.

 

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JOKE OF THE DAY - Signs that England is being Colonized by Zimbabweans

1) Balancing rocks on the new £10 note!

2) Dual language signs at Heathrow Airport- eg "Immigration Uko" and "Vari KuDeportwa itai queue muri pano"

3)Dual pricing in pounds shops ie "£1 / ZW$ 800-$ 1000 Zimdollar shop"

4)Mcdonald launches new "McSadza neboerwors sandwich" The "McSadza neboerwors inemhiripri is also available at leading branches in Slough and Luton. The "McVhukavhuka special" - zondo sandwich with special herb sauce and extra cheese.

5) Burger King follows suit with "The BK Double maribs akagochwa with cheese meal"

 

 

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