| The lives of people living with disabilities has become unbearable
due to the closure of the orthopaedic department at Parirenyatwa Group
of Hospitals. Most people living with disabilities say they cannot afford to buy prosthetic limbs and other devices in the private sector. The department used to offer affordable orthopaedic services, produces callipers, braces, crutches, supplies prosthetic limbs and other devices used by people living with disabilities.  Since last month, the department has not been operational as most of the equipment is said to have been affected by an electrical fault. A visit to the department has confirmed that no patients are being attended to. The waiting area is deserted, while the in-house workshop and the fitting room have no signs of life. A lone receptionist is the only flicker of life. Those who have been affected say there is need for an urgent intervention to ensure the department is functional. Others feel the closure is man-made as some hospital officials are running private businesses where they sell the devices at an exorbitant price. The closure of the department will have a negative bearing on school going children with disabilities who need walking aids or crutches to get by. When contacted for comment, the hospital’s public relations officer Mrs Dhansi told the ZBC News the hospital authorities are not even aware the department has closed. According to Mrs Dhansi, the head of the department Ms Madhongo is yet to report to the hospital authorities.ZBC |
Parirenyatwa Hospital Closes
January 10, 2016
