Chipinge District Hospital has been without an X-ray machine for almost nine months after its only unit broke down in April.
As a result, patients in need of X-ray services are being turned away and referred to other hospitals.
On average, at least 20 patients are affected daily, with some forced to pay over US$25 for private services.
The lack of a functioning X-ray machine is making it difficult for patients to access essential medical care.
A TB patient, who asked to remain anonymous, told The Manica Post that he visited the hospital in June after nurses at Kondo Clinic referred him for chest complications. He added:
“I managed to see the medical doctor, who told me to have an X-ray. He said I should look for X-ray services elsewhere since there is no functional X-ray machine at the hospital.
“I went to a surgery in Chipinge town where they charged me R500 for the service, which I think I would have paid less at our public referral hospital.”
Chipinge District Medical Officer (DMO), Dr Ozzy Matekenya, said the hospital’s X-ray machine is old and continues to develop mechanical faults even after repairs.
He added that patients requiring X-ray services are being referred to Mt Selinda or St Peter’s Mission hospitals. Said Dr Matekenya:
“Our X-ray machine is now old. It is cheaper to buy a new one than repair it.
“However, we have other brand new X-ray machines in the district, which are at Mt Selinda and St Peter’s mission hospitals, and are functional.
“There is nothing we can do for patients seeking the services at Chipinge District Hospital other than refer them to these hospitals or to private surgeries.
“The matter is now being handled by our superiors.”
Chipinge District Hospital serves a large catchment area, including Chipinge Rural, Birchenough Bridge, Rusitu, and neighbouring areas of Mozambique.
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