Patients ordered to buy own medication at Parirenyatwa Hospital

Patients at Parirenyatwa Hospital in Harare are reportedly being ordered to buy own medication even those who are admitted on critical condition after being involved in accidents.

A source said on Thursday an accident occurred around 6a.m at the corner of Leopold Takawira and Samora Machel Avenue in Harare involving a kombi and an Isuzu twin cab. One person died and 11 were injured.

"I visited the accident victims at Parirenyatwa Hospital. When I got there just after the accident victims were being asked to buy medication.

"Those who did not have money to buy medication started phoning their relatives for assistance," said the source.

"We as Passengers Association of Zimbabwe believe that victims of road accidents should get all the medical assistance they need as a matter of urgency, including x-rays and medication, whether they or their relatives have the immediate financial capacity to pay for medical services.

"People cannot suffer or die because they do not have the finances. No one foresees a road accident, which is why it is an accident and Government hospitals should prioritise saving lives and reducing the suffering of accident victims."