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Thupeyo Muleya Beitbridge Bureau
Beitbridge villagers have appealed to Government and its partners to avail resources for construction of more primary health care centres and to equip the sole referral hospital with machinery for specialised medical services.

The district has an estimated population of 170 000, with two thirds of the people resident in its rural component relying on one referral hospital and 16 clinics.

The 140-bed hospital is also strained due to 13 000 people which use the border to access the country to South Africa daily.

In separate interviews, the villagers said they were willing to work with Government and development agencies in addressing the shortages in health facilities.

Chief David Stauze of Beitbridge West said: “In Beitbridge town, the challenge is that when people go to the hospital, they are given a long list of drugs which they have to buy from pharmacies because there is shortage of medication.

“The situation is also worrisome in the rural areas where people are walking for longer distances to access the nearest health institutions. It is our wish that the Government and its partners look into the provision of quality health services as a matter of urgency.”

A resettled farmer, Mr Jabulani Makhado said it was important for Government and the rural district council to construct a clinic after every 10-kilometre radius or on a ratio of one clinic to between 10 and 20 village heads.

He urged the Ministry of Health and Child Care to resuscitate the training of village health workers and to build more clinics in the resettlement areas.

“So far, people in all the two constituencies (Beitbridge East and West) are travelling for between 15 and 20 kilometres to access any form of health care,” said Mr Makhado.

“In addition, the resuscitation of village health workers should be considered. There is also a need to establish modern health referral centres in the district. Currently, the only referral centre is located some 150km away from other villages/clinics like Tshikwalakwala, Dzhalukanga, Driehook Resettlement.

“As concerned villagers, we are also of the view that local residents should be given opportunities to train and be deployed in their areas as they appreciate the living conditions and their people.”

Mr Enock Kwinika of Lutumba area said it was critical for members of the community to take a leading role in championing infrastructure development initiatives. He said development agencies, Government and villagers should also embrace a culture of consulting and working together.

Mr Jonathan Mbedzi of Mahapa area said it was important for the Ministry of Health and Child Care to upgrade a few health centres into polyclinics, especially those in rural areas to relieve the pressure at the district hospital.

He said the rural clinics should be electrified and equipped with modern communication technology and resources to improve on the provision of health services.