Land mine victims need wheelchairs - MP

The House of Assembly member Newten Kachepa has called for the assistance of victims of the landmines who live in the border areas who lost their limbs through the explosion of the deadly devices.

Speaking in parliament Kachepa asked the Minister of Health and Child Care what was the government policy on landmine victims.

"Minister this country was fought for, with all the provinces taking part and their border areas where the brunt of the liberation struggle was felt and others lost limbs. What does the government have in store to ensure that these people get wheel chairs and artificial limbs so that the lives of these people get better?" he said.

Since the Minister of Health and Child Care David Parirenyatwa was not available the question was answered by Minister of Public Service Labour and Social Services Pricillah Mupfumira.

"In the Ministry we have a department which is responsible for occupational health. Even those that were injured during the liberation war, but the point is at the moment - those who are ill can approach the department of Social Welfare," she said.

"We have Ruwa rehabilitation centre where such people get attention and they are given wheel chairs and other appliances. We urge such people to go to the Department of Social Welfare in their nearest places in their district offices. If they are not assisted they can move to the provinces until they see a doctor. The patients are examined and out of the doctors' recommendations the person is assisted."