GWANDA Provincial Hospital, which in the past did not have resident medical specialists now has a gynaecologist, a general surgeon and an orthopaedic surgeon.
This development allows patients to undergo major surgeries in Gwanda instead of having to travel to Bulawayo to access such services. The hospital also took delivery of a second kidney dialysis machine, courtesy of Stanbic Bank, again increasing the number of patients benefiting from the provincial health facility.
The minister for Provincial Affairs and Devolution for Matabeleland South, Dr Evelyn Ndlovu, who was on a familiarisation tour recently also provided a refrigerator for staff in the female ward at the hospital, and milk supplements for an abandoned baby, who is being cared for by staff at the hospital.
To ensure that the specialists will not be wasted by being idle without the requisite tools, the hospital also received supplies to enable them to carry out their duties unhindered.
Briefing the minister, Gwanda hospital acting Head of Services and Administration, Sibonakaliso Ndlovu, welcomed the change in specialist medical staff, but said it needs 13 more doctors to adequately service its catchment area.
It currently operates with six doctors and specialists. The minister was told of how the shortage of doctors was straining the few they had who are compelled to work for longer hours.
The Gwanda Provincial Hospital is a referral centre and services Beitbridge, Gwanda, Matobo and Insiza districts. The shortage of doctors means current staff has to work for about 130 hours a week instead of 56 hours prescribed in their contracts. — New Ziana