A Corrupt Health Sector Is A Death Trap

Corruption in health facilities is more concerning as this always cost people's lives. Image by Agencia EFE

BY THE EDITORIAL TEAM | @The_CBNews | This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. | OCT 4, 2021

Corruption is destructive and each and every one of us should play a part in weeding it out. But corruption in health facilities is more concerning, at what cost does it come to you and your loved ones when seeking healthcare?

BULAWAYO (The Citizen Bulletin) — Hardly a week goes by without a social media post raising complaints about the dilapidated health system in the Matabeleland region and, by extension, the country. Simple temperature check gadgets have now only been made more accessible because of the COVID-19 pandemic. Hospital pharmacies are almost always out of drugs and there’s a general lackadaisical approach to treating emergencies. Now, without undermining legit concerns of employees in the health sector, which quite frankly need to be fixed as a matter of urgency—let’s talk about the elephant in the room.

It has become cliche to say we should all be involved in the fight against corruption, but we really should. Our cover story focuses on the rot at Binga hospital, which was unearthed during a visit by health ministry officials, prompting investigations that are still ongoing to the best of our knowledge. We have every reason to believe that this is just the tip of the iceberg, and there’s more rot in Binga, Matabeleland and the whole country.

To say this is unacceptable is an understatement. People’s lives are involved here. What worsens this situation is the recent Zimbabwe Vulnerability Assessment Committee (ZimVAC) report which shows that the province has a high percentage of people with chronic illnesses. Surely this calls for more diligence within the health sector? If nothing motivates us to care more about each other, let’s think of the sanctity of life.

This edition of the bulletin also shines a light on the continued effects of COVID-19 on the education sector. Now that students are back in school, a game of catch up is ongoing, pitying the poor who cannot pay for so-called “extra lessons”. Access to education is a fundamental right. This generation has already been affected academically, and the least authorities can do is ensure some form of equality is achieved.

ALSO READ: Keep Our Schools Safe From COVID-19

Economic and Infrastructural development is what this country, Matabeleland in particular, has been hoping for, for a long time. However, when the action comes at a huge cost to ordinary people, is it not necessary to re-evaluate? The Gwayi-Shangani dam construction is one such sticky issue. Suffice to say, the people at the centre are no strangers to displacement. The project is already underway, so maybe at this point, re-assessment may be impossible. What is crucial is ensuring that the community affected is compensated in the fairest way possible. Come on, let us do right by our communities. We implore all stakeholders involved in this process to ensure the displaced families get not only a fair deal on paper but that those promises are honoured.

Also, look out for stories on how the mining sector is being destructive in Gwanda and Hwange and how the Lupane community is not benefiting from the rich forests in the district.

Until Next Time
The Editorial Team