The Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe has repaired an old and abandoned building in Karoi and converted it into a clinic.
Speaking during the commissioning ceremony, Red Cross secretary-general Elias Hwenga said they intend to build more health centres across the country. He said:
Our aim is to get more land to build more spacious health facilities including a maternity wing for the communities.
We have taken this stance of establishing health centres around the country to mitigate challenges being faced in the health sector.
We are determined to complement the efforts of our public authorities to ensure that health service is helping communities.
Before the commissioning of the clinic by the Red Cross Society of Zimbabwe, Hurungwe District had 37 clinics, including 32 from outlying rural clinics for the public and four under the uniformed forces.
Speaking at the same occasion, Mashonaland West provincial medical director Gift Masocha warned health workers to desist from soliciting bribes from patients. Said Masocha:
Let me make it clear that no patient must pay any extra money to an official at our public health facilities.
It is a criminal offence for any official to be paid any personal money. Once you pay what is required officially, you must get the services.
He also encouraged patients who feel that they are “ill-treated” by medical staff to report to higher authorities. | NewsDay