A South African patient, who became seriously ill while working in Bulawayo, allegedly struggled to get the critical medical attention he needed while in Zimbabwe.
As the patient’s life hung in the balance, his only viable option was not within Zimbabwe’s borders. As a result, South African authorities dispatched a helicopter to retrieve him.
South African patient airlifted back home
According to reports, an ambulance transported the patient from Bulawayo to Beitbridge, where a helicopter airlifted him to South Africa.
The situation appeared so serious that Limpopo’s Premier, Dr Phophi Ramathuba, and Health MEC, Dieketseng Mashego, were personally there when he arrived.
The Limpopo Provincial government confirmed the incident on X. They emphasised that the patient could not receive necessary medical treatment when he fell ill in Bulawayo.
Reactions to Zimbabwe’s healthcare system
The incident has since painted a grim picture of Zimbabwe’s healthcare system. Some netizens took to social media to react to the incident.
“When I write about Zimbabwe being a failed state, some of you think that I am exaggerating,” said Zimbabwean journalist Hopewell Chin’ono.
“…but this is our daily reality in Zimbabwe. Corruption has destroyed healthcare in Zimbabwe, and the few stories that I share on this page are only the tip of the iceberg.”
Here is how others reacted on X:
@Ish_Nzimande: “In Zimbabwe, they don’t allow other African countries to use their health care facilities.”
@Faridaa50635225: “Well, well, so we have to treat them but they are unable to treat us Where is Simba now”
@smmongo:”How did the Premier and the MEC know about this? Did the person who fell ill speed dial them? Was this person working for government?”
Do you think the patient could have been treated in Zimbabwe?
Let us know by leaving a comment below or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1.
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